Carolina Panthers: Fantasy football outlook for Week 1 vs. Jets
DJ Moore – Carolina Panthers WR
Hopefully, this is the season DJ Moore gets some respect. The 24-year-old pass-catcher out of Maryland is coming off of back-to-back 1,100-yard seasons but is seemingly always under the radar both in reality and in fantasy. However, those who rostered Moore last year may have been justifiably frustrated.
Blame Teddy Bridgewater or last year’s putrid red zone offense, the wideout left a lot to be desired with only four receiving touchdowns. Looking back at his production from game to game, Moore’s yards and catches didn’t always make up for the lack of trips to the end zone.
In year 2 under offensive coordinator Joe Brady, the 2021 season hopes to produce better outcomes for Moore if new QB Sam Darnold plays anywhere near the level that was expected of him coming out of college.
Start or Sit in Week 1?
START.
This week’s matchup is too good to pass up. The Jets are starting inexperienced cornerbacks and Moore should be one of the beneficiaries and provide great value as a WR2 or FLEX in your lineup.
Robby Anderson – Carolina Panthers WR
When asked how much he’s looking forward to the season-opener during media availability on Monday, Robby Anderson said: “I feel like an old bottle of wine that’s been preserving.” That’s really good news for Panthers fans and those savvy fantasy owners banking on the Darnold-Anderson connection we saw during their stint in New York.
In 2020, Anderson had a PPR-friendly year with 95 receptions and close to 1,100 yards. Similar to Moore, the lack of touchdowns made it tough for the former Temple wideout to realize his full fantasy potential.
With the ink still drying on his newly signed contract extension, Anderson should put up similar numbers this season with a few more touchdowns with the presumed upgrade in quarterback play.
Something to keep in mind— Moore and Anderson seem to have a 1A/1B role in the Panthers’ offense and if both stay healthy, WR2 or FLEX usage is probably their ceiling.
Start or Sit in Week 1?
START.
It’s a revenge game for the former New York Jet against a highly questionable secondary, Anderson should be productive in Week 1.
Terrace Marshall Jr./Dan Arnold – Carolina Panthers WR/TE
Early indications look good for the Terrace Marshall Jr. Pro Football Focus gave the Panthers’ 2nd round pick out of LSU the highest grade among rookie wideouts in the preseason. For a team that has struggled to replace 2x All-Pro Steve Smith Sr since he was released in 2013, it appears that this may be the deepest group of talented wide receivers in Carolina since the early 2000s.
Third-year tight end Dan Arnold has a firm grip on the lead pass-catching tight end role. The former Arizona Cardinal beat out Ian Thomas, who hasn’t made the most of his role in the starting lineup since Greg Olsen’s departure. Arnold reportedly has developed a nice chemistry with Sam Darnold which will hopefully help improve red zone efficiency in 2021.
Start or Sit in Week 1?
Buyer Beware.
With McCaffrey, Moore, and Anderson being the focal point of Carolina’s offense, it’s too soon to determine the production that will come from Marshall and Arnold. I wouldn’t be surprised if either player scored a touchdown against New York, but it may not be worth the risk until we have more data.