With CMC Out, Which Panthers Should Be in Fantasy Lineups Versus Minnesota?
Josh Frey
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Christian McCaffrey seemed to be on his way back to the starting lineup this week after missing back-to-back games. However, it appears that McCaffrey may have had a mishap in his recovery over the past few days as he is now back on IR. Without their star RB, are there any other Carolina Panthers to keep an eye on in fantasy leagues?
Sam Darnold- Sit
Darnold has had an exceptional start to his 2021 season, especially in terms of fantasy numbers. The QB put up 18+ points in each of the first four weeks of the season, including a 30-point performance versus Dallas. However, things got a little tougher last weekend against Philly. Darnold threw three picks en route to a mere six points.
This week, the matchup against the Vikings is one that should be a difficult one. Minnesota has held their previous three opponents to under 20 points, and they have not allowed 200 passing yards in each of the last two. Darnold should not be in starting lineups outside of deep two QB leagues.
Chuba Hubbard- Start
With McCaffrey’s injury, Hubbard has filled in almost seamlessly for the RB. Since he took over the staring role in the second quarter of week 3, he’s put together 58 touches and 284 yards. As much as the Vikings pass defense has improved this season, they have remained much the same as 2020 against the run.
The only concern with Hubbard to this point is his inability to find the end zone for Carolina. Assuming Hubbard is on his way to another 20 touches though, it shouldn’t be enough concern to keep him out of starting lineups this week. Hubbard is a RB2 this week.
DJ Moore- Start
The Panthers receiving star has not lost any ounce of productivity with Sam Darnold at quarterback. Prior to last week’s loss against Philly, Moore had strung together three consecutive weeks of 11+ targets and eight receptions. He also scored three times in that span.
Moore was largely held in check for the first time this season against the Eagles, recording season lows in targets (7), receptions (5), and yards (42). The good news is that performance felt strange as it was happening, and Moore should bounce back against Minnesota. Even if he just returns to his usual double-digit targets, he should be comfortably played as a WR1.
Robby Anderson- Sit
The WR2 for the Panthers has largely been a disappointment this season. For the most part, Robby Anderson’s target share has been a favorable number, but he just hasn’t done much with it. In three of the past four games he’s found himself with 6+ targets, but has only recorded more than three receptions once.
In fact, over the course of this season, Anderson has found himself with 29 targets while only having 12 catches to his name. He also hasn’t recorded a touchdown since week 1 against the Jets. Should the trend continue, Anderson isn’t worth starting other than as a flex-flyer in deep leagues.