This is a series on my 2014 outlook of players you would
want to have on your Paper Pigskin team (fantasy football). What you'll find here are my views based on
years of playing experience and countless hours of geeking out researching
stats, trends, and watching video. I'll
advise where to reach and whose hype not to believe.
CAROLINA PANTHERS - Passing 190 ypg Rushing 127 ypg
Carolina's success last season can be attributed to three
things; their mistake free and solid tackling defense, the steady improvement
of Greg Olsen, and the maturity of Cam Newton. Those three areas were also the
only relevant fantasy football elements of this team. Panthers fans should be
worried about the turnover in the offensive line as it will affect the time
Newton has to make his reads and likely will have to run more often than he did
last season. Newton has progressed in such a way that I feel the coaching staff
trusts him enough to make passing plays more than the 49% than they called last
season.
QB: Cam Newton has
finished in top five of QB rankings every season. 2013 was his worst rushing
season but he seems to be developing as a passer. Although he also finished
with a career low in passing yards, it was his most efficient as he had a
career high completion percentage and touchdowns. NFL talent evaluator Gil Brandt watched Newton
in practice and said, "he threw the ball as well as I've ever seen
him." Many in the NFL community have criticized the Panthers front office
for not retaining their top three wide receivers from last season, but last
time I checked, coordinators weren't game planning for Brandon Lafell or Ted
Ginn; I love Steve Smith's toughness and swagger but he's now 35 years old and
lost speed at 5'9". Those passing options have been replaced with a
polished receivers and a raw physical specimen, plus his leading pass catcher
from last season is still on the team. Cam Newton is playing for a large pay
day, he should build on his success of last year and is more than worthy of his
5th round price of QB6.
RB: You are braver
than me if you look in this team's direction for running back help. The
three-back committee consists of DeAngelo Williams (good for 50-60 ypg), injury
prone Jonathan Stewart (less productivity), and Mike Tolbert (3rd down blocking
and goal line duty). Williams is the only one worth rostering, he can prosper
when Stewart gets sidelined. His ADP is RB39, much to high, I'd rather have
younger guys with upside. If DeAngelo goes down, be on the lookout for Kenjon
Barner, who's ready for an opportunity.
WR: Every time I read
something about the Panther's offense leading up to this season, I see the
phrases "spectacular catch" or "catching everything" or
"large catch radius" in
regards to Kelvin Benjamin. Benjamin has obviously
been Cam Newton's top wide receiver target in camp. The two have developed an off field
friendship, something Newton was never able to do with Steve Smith, which has
translated to their chemistry on the field. He's the top rookie WR on my board; what other
rookie will be the #1 receiving option and the top red zone target on his team
from game 1? I'll wait... Touchdowns are worth 6 points in fantasy football
too. Benjamin's current ADP is WR48 and
rising fast. As high as I am on
Benjamin, he's still developing as a route runner and won't always be open for
Newton, this is where Jericho Cotchery
and his route running precision on the other side steps in to help move the
chains; he's at WR67 and presents value in ppr leagues. Jason Avant is also in
tow and is more of a possession/slot receiver; only look for him in deeper
leagues.
TE: If you feel all
the stuff I said about Benjamin is hogwash, just know when things go awry,
people revert back to what's more comfortable to them. For Cam Newton, that amenity
comes in the form of Greg Olsen. Olsen has the highest floor outside of the
elite TE group. He's a safe bet for a 70-800-6 season; due to his reliability,
he's likely to exceed that baseline for career high numbers. He's priced at TE8
as of now.
Def: Don't expect the
#2 defense from last season to fall off that much because they lost 3 starting
pieces from their secondary, that was their weakest unit anyway. Draft them
with confidence.
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