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A tough match-up in Green Bay doesn’t mean their won’t be plenty of points to go around.
An over/under line of 47 points says there will be plenty of offense to go around. Here’s what you should do with the Carolina Panthers on your roster. (Rankings and points per game data via YahooSports!)
RB Christian McCaffrey (Rank: No. 1) — Must start
McCaffrey is once again the top ranked player in fantasy football this week and an obvious ‘must start’. McCaffrey’s salary hit is $10,500 in Draft Kings, which is $1,800 more than the No. 2 ranked player. That’s a big difference for you daily fantasy novices out there. While the Green Bay Packers defense has played better than expected this season their one weakness is against the run, ranking No. 26 overall. Therefore, you should expect a big day from the Panthers’ workhorse.
QB Kyle Allen (Rank: No. 31) — Sit
I see the Packers defense as similar to the San Francisco 49ers defense in two key ways. Their pass rush provides pressure from the edge, and they are athletic in the secondary. Neither case bodes well for Allen. Now add in the fact the Panthers should run the ball more than usual and you have a dud of a game for Allen. The Panthers could still very well win the game, but it will be because McCaffrey runs loose and the defense kept Aaron Rodgers in check, which is no easy task. I’m guessing you have a better option on your bench already, go with it.
WR DJ Moore (Rank: No. 35) — Start
While the Packers defense is ranked No. 9 against wide receivers in fantasy, their weakness is at the second level where Moore tends to roam. Moore may not put up big numbers very often but he is good for 10-15 points most weeks. He’s one of the more consistent receivers in the league.
WR Curtis Samuel (Rank: No. 38) — Start
While DJ Moore is very consistent, Curtis Samuel is boom or bust. He has become the downfield target we had hoped he’s just not hauling in enough of those balls. He had a nice game last week (14.90 points) and could very well match that against the Packers.
TE Greg Olsen (Rank: No. 9) — Start
The other weakness in the Packers defense is against tight ends, giving up the sixth most points in fantasy to tight ends. While I know Olsen hasn’t done much since the Panthers’ game against the Arizona Cardinals, but this match up could produce improved results.
K Joey Slye (Rank: No. 3) — Start
If you have Slye, he is your guy. Panthers should get in field goal range a good bit against the Packers. Slye will sneak in at least 10 points, which is all you ask for from a kicker. I don’t miss trading the kicker for a another flex position in all CSR leagues this season one bit.
Panthers DST (Rank: No. 3) — Sit
Aaron Rodgers is tough to sack and rarely has bad back-to-back games. After the Packers got walloped by the San Diego Chargers last week they will look to bounce back. I’d love to say the Panthers defense will keep the Packers under 20 points, but Aaron Jones gives me pause. I would look to the waiver wire if you don’t have a better matchup. I should mention that unless I have one of the top one or two defenses in the league I always play the better matchup.
Prediction: 27 points for the Panthers; two touchdowns for McCaffrey, one touchdown to Olsen and two field goals by Slye.