Carolina Panthers: Fantasy football outlook in Week 9 at Chiefs
Teddy Bridgewater – Carolina Panthers QB
Teddy Bridgewater‘s season has been a mixed bag, but his numbers actually look decent. He has thrown for 2,106 yards, nine touchdowns, six interceptions, and is completing almost 72 percent of his passes. However, the quarterback has not delivered on any of the four legitimate comeback opportunities the Carolina Panthers have had this season.
These performances have led some to question his ability to carry the “franchise” quarterback label. It’s easy for any starting signal-caller to be successful when things are going well, but those with game-changing talent can elevate their level of play when the rest of the team is reeling.
So far, Bridgewater has not shown the ability to do that consistently.
Start or Sit in Week 9?
START.
You can probably find a better matchup this week, but if you can’t, Bridgewater shouldn’t disappoint. The stats on the Chiefs are pretty confusing. Their defense allowing the third least passing yards per game, but starting quarterbacks have averaged a very respectable 19 fantasy points per game against Kansas City.
Mike Davis/Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers RBs
Matt Rhule has not committed to the status of All-Pro Christian McCaffrey and it may come down to a game-time decision, so we’ll include both backs in this week’s analysis.
McCaffrey has been a full participant at practice this week, which is encouraging. While Kanas City’s defense is tough overall, CMC will add another dimension to Carolina’s offense which has looked stale in two of the last three games.
As for Mike Davis, it seems like he’s been on a slide as of late. He hasn’t rushed for more than 70 yards in three weeks and has been a no-show in the passing game. Part of the problem is that Bridgewater isn’t looking his way on check-downs, but with each passing week, we miss McCaffrey more and more.
Start or Sit in Week 9?
Davis- SIT, McCaffrey – START
It’s probably a good idea to stay away from Davis whether McCaffrey plays or not. Although the Chiefs run defense is vulnerable, his lack of production from lately is discouraging.
While we expect Davis will still get touches with McCaffrey in the lineup, it’s too soon to tell exactly how he’ll be used. With so much uncertainty, starting the veteran this week just isn’t worth the risk.
On the other hand, McCaffrey is too good to keep on the bench. He’s head and shoulders the best running back the Chiefs have faced this year and will play a pivotal role in giving this offense some much-needed juice.