The Carolina Panthers have some options you need to analyze before they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night.
The Steelers welcome the Panthers to Heinz field this Thursday for a matchup with two teams playing some of their best football of the year. The Steelers have won four straight games and are definitely starting to look like the team we hoped they would be. The Panthers have extended their win streak to three games and look to make it 4 in a row.
These are my start and sit recommendations for the Panthers;
Start
Cam Newton – One of the best and most dangerous QBs in the NFL. He can score a ton of points rushing or passing. He is a top 5 QB in your league depending on scoring, but since week 5, he is number 2.
Christian McCaffrey – He has really turned into the multi-dimensional back that the Panthers thought he could be. He is #8 in PPR scoring amongst RB’s and is fourth in receptions. He is a dual threat, much like his teammate Cam Newton that he can score points in multiple ways.
Greg Olsen-The Steelers give up a lot of points to TE’s and Olsen’s receptions, yards and PPR points are all up the last three weeks.
Sit
Devin Funchess – The number one WR but the targets are up and down the last three weeks. The PPR points have been under double digits the last 2 weeks also.
DJ Moore/Curtis Samuel – There is not much production from the Panthers WRs and after Funchess the drop off is huge. D.J. Moore is the rookie with some upside but you should stay away from this group unless you are looking for a deep sleeper.
CJ Anderson – The only RB getting any usage is McCaffrey. I really thought in the preseason that he would get a good amount of touches but it is just not happening.
Panthers Defense – The Steelers offense is really clicking right now and is one of the best in the NFL. This D/ST units going against the Steelers offense are scoring negative fantasy points for most of the season. This game is in Pittsburgh and I hate starting Defensive units on the road unless it is against a rookie QB and/or a weak offense.
This should be a great competitive game but the Steelers have the historical edge. In a head to head match up the Steelers have defeated the Panthers the last 5 games they have faced each other. When the game is played in Pittsburgh, the Panthers are 0-3.
James Conner has 4 consecutive 100-yard rushing games and the Panthers Defense is good against the run. They only allow an average of 69 rushing yards a game so this matchup will see two quality units go against each other. This one will be fun to see who can control the line of scrimmage.