Fantasy Football outlook for the Carolina Panthers in Week 7

Teddy Bridgewater – Carolina Panthers QB

Teddy Bridgewater became the latest victim of the Bears’ tenth-ranked pass defense. Chicago held him to 264 total yards, two interceptions, no touchdowns, and 9.44 fantasy points.

It’s the second time this season he’s netted less than ten fantasy points. This performance was especially unfortunate because some were beginning to sing his praises, but it should be taken with a grain of salt.

So far, Bridgewater’s worst performances have been against the first and seventh-ranked total defense in the NFL. He’s got 1,166 total yards, seven total touchdowns, one interception, and an average of 20.26 fantasy points against everyone else.

Start or Sit in Week 7?

START.

The lights get brighter for Bridgewater in this week’s matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The story of his time in New Orleans, backing up Drew Brees, and leading the Saints to a 5-0 record in the Pro Football Hall of Fame-bound quarterback’s absence is well documented.

Look for Bridgewater and former Saints and LSU offensive play-caller Joe Brady to have a bounce-back performance against a New Orleans defense that is allowing 30 points per game.

Mike Davis – Carolina Panthers RB

All signs indicate the Carolina Panthers will shelve Christian McCaffrey at least another week. They will certainly miss his versatility, especially in the red zone against a vaunted defensive front in New Orleans. Mike Davis did score the only touchdown against the Bears to continue his good run since assuming the starting role, which bumped his fantasy total up to a respectable 11.50.

Unfortunately for Davis, the Saints run defense is ranked several spots higher than Chicago’s. The same is true about Atlanta, but the veteran was able to post his best stat line so far this season against the Falcons.

This Sunday’s game could be the last time Davis warrants a starting spot in fantasy lineups before McCaffrey rejoins the team.

Start or Sit in Week 7?

FLEX.

New Orleans has kept lead running backs at bay, for the most part, holding them to an average of slightly under 14 fantasy points per game. Unlike most of those backs, Davis is an effective pass-catching threat and should see an uptick in targets if the Saints put extra coverage on Robby Anderson.