When Andy Dalton burst onto the scene Sunday as the hero who saved the Panthers, it felt like a dramatic plot twist. And he displays a level of heroism often reserved for cinematic icons.
After all, Carolina looks like not only the worst team in the league in the first two weeks, it looks like one of the worst we have seen in years, without hope to improve this season, mired in a quagmire of shame.
Enter the mighty old Red Rifle. Kick off the dust, and let’s see what the famous QB can do, right? And he did some – 319 yards passing, three touchdowns, no interceptions. He became the first QB to achieve that mark this season.
Look, that’s a good number, but not amazing. That “bigness” is exaggerated by the league’s poor game numbers.
The Fantasy question is: How reliable can Dalton and the Panthers be in the coming weeks? Is he now Captain Carolina? Did he just have a Steve Rogers-esque “Panthers Assemble” moment?
Or … hear us out here … Dalton just saves as much as he can, like Jake Gyllenhaal in “Day After Tomorrow” – the closest thing to a savior in a situation that has a bleak end?
Spoiler alert: We think he’ll be the Panthers’ version of Ben from “Night of the Living Dead.” Dalton doesn’t have the power alone to end widespread suffering, but he may be able to ease the suffering of some of the people around him.
First, reset the fantasy outlook you had for the Panthers players to where they were before the season started. There aren’t any high aspirations surrounding Carolina’s players, but what little aspirations there were have disappeared with Bryce Young at QB.
Remember how wide receiver Diontae Johnson was a solid depth pick in the middle round, with the hope that he can surprise the regular Flex play? With Young, Johnson goes from that level of expectation to a player who wastes space on your fantasy roster.
Well, we’re back to the original look. We don’t expect what he did Sunday — 8-for-122 with a TD — to happen every week. But also, that is possible now. And clearly it is impossible with Young.
Dalton’s fantasy impact probably won’t extend to the passing game – Additionally, Adam Thielen is currently dealing with a hamstring problem.
Running back Chuba Hubbard could be a thing again. He was 21-for-114 on the ground and 5-for-55 on the receiving end in Week 3 for a big PPR day. Also, the Panthers played with a lead in that game (anomaly alert). Hubbard will have some artificially enhanced PPR value going forward because of his role in the passing game, but don’t expect consistent rushing volume, since this team will still be behind a lot.
And how will Dalton’s success affect Dalton’s fantasy value? In most leagues, QBs aren’t hard to come by, but Dalton immediately rose to a level that included streaming options — think: Matthew Stafford level. But Dalton’s type of game on this type of team will not produce consistent results.
Look at how Baker Mayfield and Derek Carr went down last week. Dalton figures to have as many games as he did as productively as Week 3.
All of these adjustments will be in effect until … Young returns under center. Well, we think that will happen eventually. Carolina will be out of playoff contention at some point, and it makes no sense not to play Young if that happens — to determine if he has a future with the team, if he’s learned while on the bench, to try to ramp up. up any potential trade value, etc.
At least in the meantime, there are some Panthers now worthy of having on the roster, some more than last week.
As we see
Emanuel Wilson RB, Packers
Had a lot of work Sunday to spell the start of Josh Jacobs. The volume usually won’t be huge, but Wilson is the perfect handcuff for Jacobs, at least until rookie MarShawn Lloyd returns (Week 7 at the earliest).
Jauan Jennings WR, 49ers
We told you Pick up last week, but judging by the number of the list, not enough people listen. He will be the most popular waiver target this week. He will remain playable until Deebo Samuel returns, and should start while George Kittle is out as well.
Courtland Sutton WR, Broncos
Bo Nix looked better in Week 3, and his improvement should lift Sutton back to fantasy relevance.
Tyler Conkin TE, Jets
Going 5-for-93 will push you to the top of the TE score. The fact they also have a solid QB gives them durability. Perfect filler for Sam LaPorta owners.
That doesn’t look good
Tyreek Hill WR, Dolphins
It’s pretty bad with Skylar Thompson instead of Tua Tagovailoa at QB. If the Dolphins are dipping for Tim Boyle? If they bring Ryan Tannehill, we will feel better. Consider Hill only for big-play potential.
Davante Adams WR, Raiders
Poor QB play dragged him down. And the volume of targets to other places is disturbing. The upcoming matchups (Browns, Broncos, Steelers) are not encouraging.
Betting on the NFL?
DeAndre Hopkins WR, Titans
Surprisingly productive – 6-for-73 with a TD there. Don’t forget, he failed to score two – two – the first two weeks. Don’t be fooled. Trade him now.
Mark Andrews TE, Ravens
He scored a big fat donut on one target. It’s possible he’s earned his coveted status in the Ravens’ pass game — just last season he was a monster before his injury. But he should be benched until he proves otherwise.
