Before we get into the Panthers’ Fantasy Football Week 6 Outlook, a shout-out to last week’s top-3 scorers in BBR’s weekly Fantasy Football Tournament:
- pantherdub 227.56 pts (close to highest score possible)
- lukdabomb 214.16 pts
- captain-obvious 206.50 pts
CLICK HERE to join our free DFS tournament on FantasyDraft.com. This week, the private pool is limited to 100 entries!
Panthers Aiming To Stay Purr-fect
Carolina fans likely know these stats by heart now, but they can’t be ignored: In the Ron Rivera era, the Panthers are 0-5 after having the previous week off and 0-4 against the Seahawks. But at 2-3, this Seattle team is certainly beatable.
At a Glance
When you compare the production of each team’s offensive and defensive units, the Panthers have the upper hand:
- Carolina’s offense averages 27 PPG; Seattle’s defense allows an average of 20 PPG
- Seattle’s offense averages 22.2 PPG; Carolina’s defense allows 17.7 PPG
So going solely off of averages, the expected score of this game will be 24-20 Panthers.
A Defensive Struggle
As they have the past few seasons, both defenses rank inside the top-10 in yards and points allowed per game. Both are viable plays this week in your daily Fantasy Football contests.
With four touchdowns allowed in five games, Seattle’s DST is tied for first in the NFL in defensive and special teams touchdowns. Electric returner Tyler Lockett is always a threat to take one to the house, and Carolina’s coverage units are still leaky.
Meanwhile, the Panthers’ DST is tied for second in the NFL in interceptions thanks to four from CB Josh Norman. Even though DE Jared Allen looks unlikely to play, the Panthers should be able to get to Seahawks QB Russell Wilson, who’s been sacked a league-worst 22 times.
On Fantasy Draft, the Seahawks’ DST has a salary of $7,100 while the Panthers DST comes in at $6,300. Carolina may be a significant value play this week.
Panthers QB Cam Newton
Newton has been on a steady climb throughout this season. Going into week 6, he’s the seventh-most expensive QB coming in at $13,200.
After last week’s performances, many DFS owners are looking to save money at the QB position. QBs like Cleveland’s Josh McCown were tremendous value plays while top-tier guys like Atlanta’s Matt Ryan failed to outplay their salary. This week, look to some mid-level QBs in place of Newton. Facing the Legion of Boom, it doesn’t seem likely that he’ll outplay his salary.
Panthers TE Greg Olsen
Olsen is currently the second-most expensive tight end on FantasyDraft. At $11,700, he doesn’t seem the worth the fantasy play, despite Seattle struggling against opposing TEs.
TE options that should give you better value than Olsen this week: Chicago’s Martellus Bennett, Kansas City’s Travis Kelce and San Diego’s Antonio Gates.
Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart
Stewart has fallen to the 33rd-most expensive running back on FantasyDraft.com. He shouldn’t be played in any leagues right now. Stewart is having a rough time finding any running room this year. He’s currently ranked 21st in YPG, only five spots ahead of Newton. Seattle is first in the NFL against opposing running backs, allowing just 8.6 PPG in standard leagues, so it’s safe to assume that Stewart will be a relative non-factor.
Panthers Sleepers
WR Ted Ginn Jr. is probably the only player we’d even think about taking in DFS leagues. Ginn is a touchdown-dependent boom-or-bust player, but as Newton’s top receiving target, he could find some success against the Seattle defense.
With a modest salary of $7,400, Ginn would allow you to stack players with higher upside at other positions.
Fantasy Football Week 6 Sleeper Picks Around the League
Texans WR Cecil Shorts [Fantasy Draft salary – $6,700]
If Shorts sees the field, he’ll be a viable WR2 against the Jaguars, who are 30th in pass defense. The biggest thing that hinders Shorts’ potential is WR DeAndre Hopkins, who sees a lion’s share of targets per game, regardless of which QB is playing for the Texans.
Dolphins TE Jordan Cameron [Fantasy Draft salary – $6,800]
Going into this season, it would be crazy to think Cameron would be included on a ‘sleeper’ list. What is this, 2014?
Unfortunately, Cameron hasn’t broken out at all, ranking 19th among starting TEs this season. However, new Dolphins head coach Dan Campbell is a former NFL TE, and the Titans are currently 23rd against opposing TEs. Coming off a bye, Cameron may be in line for an uptick in targets and the occasional big play.
Browns RB Duke Johnson Jr. [Fantasy Draft salary – $8,800]
Johnson makes this list solely because of his receiving ability. Over the past three games, Johnson has been targeted 25 times. The Browns face a strong Broncos defense, but it’s a safe bet Johnson will add eight-plus receptions in addition to whatever rushing yards he’s able to manage.
Redskins WR Jamison Crowder [Fantasy Draft salary – $7,700]
Crowder finds himself on our sleeper list two weeks in a row after last week’s solid performance. The rookie WR has been targeted 24 times over the past two game and seems to have developed a good rapport with Redskins QB Kirk Cousins. If it weren’t for the Redskins playing the stingy Jets’ defense, Crowder would be our top sleeper.
Texans QB Brian Hoyer [Fantasy Draft salary – $10,300]
Hoyer is the next-to-cheapest starting QB this week on FantasyDraft. He actually had an impressive relief performance against the Colts last week, passing for 312 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, Hoyer spoiled it with an ugly interception late in the fourth quarter.
This week, Hoyer and the Texans’ offense will be going against a rather porous Jacksonville pass defense. If you’re looking to save money at the QB position, look no further than Hoyer.
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