Colts at Panthers: Fantasy Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em
The Colts had some fantasy studs this past week against a less than stingy New Orleans defense. The Panthers, on paper do not a have a fantasy happy roster in terms of talent and big names. However, the case could be made that the Panthers have more reliable fantasy pieces than the Colts. Here’s a look at who you should start, sit, and pick up for this Monday night contest.
Start ‘Em
Cam Newton– The Colts have always struggled against mobile quarterbacks, an example would be how they made Terrelle Pryor relevant for a week in 2013. Cam Newton is a far better player than Pryor, and that’s obvious. It would seem that playing Newton would be an obvious decision, but only 64.2 percent of ESPN fantasy owners are starting him. His 19.8 fantasy points per game is fifth in the NFL only behind elite names like Brady and Rodgers. The only knock on Newton this season is his seven interceptions so far this season, but against a Colts defense that is now statistically the worst in the league, that should not be much of an issue.
Jonathan Stewart– Stewart has been a confusing fantasy player throughout his entire NFL career. He’s often been injured and has been labeled as a huge risk for fantasy rosters. This season, Stewart has been able to stay healthy and contribute to the Panthers offense. He was able to gain 78 yards and a touchdown against a stout Seattle frontline two weeks ago, and he tore up a run of the mill Philadelphia line this past Sunday night. The Colts, on average give up 122.7 yards to opposing running backs. Stewart is in line to pick up over 100 yards Monday night, but he may leave you high and dry in the TD column.
Panthers D/ST– The Panthers are fourth in the league in interceptions and are eighth in total team sacks. Those two categories could increase with a below average Colts offensive line, and Andrew Luck turning the ball over at an alarming rate. In reality, the Panthers defense could be considered a safe play this week.
Sit ‘Em
Frank Gore– The Panthers have been good at stopping the run this season, giving up only 110 total rush yards to opposing running backs. The Colts were forced to pass for a lot of the game last Sunday, which limited Gore’s usage. If previous weeks have been any indication, the Colts will probably be forced to pass a lot again on Monday. This puts Gore’s fantasy value in grave danger, not only for this week, but for the rest of the season.
T.Y. Hilton– Once the second half rolled around last week against New Orleans, Hilton tore up the horrid Saints secondary. Do not expect another big game like that from Hilton this coming Monday as the Panthers are eighth best in the NFL in receiving yards surrendered(245 per game). Hilton won’t be entirely neutralized, but this week his only chance of getting fantasy points will be on big plays.
Pick ‘Em Up
Mike Tolbert– The sole reason for picking up Tolbert would be his goal line touchdown potential, he is the definition of a TD vulture. As Jonathan Stewart owners scowl at him he would be a great handcuff to have if you have Jonathan Stewart. If the Panthers get within five yards, Tolbert is getting the ball, no doubt about it. With only a 0.6 own percentage in ESPN league’s, he’d be an interesting deep league pick-up.
Ted Ginn Jr.– With the injury to Kelvin Benjamin in the preseason, the Panthers were left without a true number one wide receiver. The wily veteran Ginn has taken on that role so far this season, but he is considered a secondary option in the pass attack with Greg Olsen there. Ginn has big play potential written all over him, and the Panthers like to be tricky at points in the game. Last week versus Philadelphia, Ginn ripped off a 43- yard rush, and the Colts have historically been awful at defending trickery. Ginn is a medium to high risk, but his reward is quite high if Cam Newton connects with him. Get him while you can, he’s currently owned by only 33 percent of owners!
As always, may the fantasy odds be in your favor this week.