Carolina Panthers fantasy football outlook for Week 3 at the Texans

Zane Gonzalez – Carolina Panthers K

The fact that the Carolina Panthers have to play on Thursday night may be the only reason Zane Gonzalez is still on the team. He missed one of his three field-goal attempts as well as one extra point in Sunday’s win.

If you had him in your lineup for some reason, he gave you eight fantasy points – the 29th best effort amongst NFL kickers in Week 2. Fortunately for Gonzalez, the Houston game gives him another chance to give Carolina brass a reason to keep him on the roster.

Start or Sit Week 3?

Buyer Beware.

Starting Gonzalez may work out in theory.

Carolina should be able to move the ball and score points against Houston. However, Gonzalez has been streaky and there should be a few more consistent options at kicker available in Week 3.

Carolina Panthers DST

It’s been well reported that the Panthers are the NFL’s No. 1 rush defense, pass defense, and scoring defense and it’s been great to watch. In Sunday’s win, Carolina sacked Saints quarterback Jameis Winston four times and intercepted him twice for a fantasy total of 12 points.

Carolina ranks No. 4 among fantasy defenses which is still a great achievement. But falls slightly behind teams with more takeaways and defensive touchdowns. However, the Panthers are leading the league in sacks and if they continue, the up-and-coming unit could climb up the ladder.

Start or Sit Week 3?

START.

It’s a short week on the road, but the Panthers defense has to deliver here.

With Tyrod Taylor sidelined for the next few weeks with a hamstring injury, the Texans will be starting rookie Davis Mills under center.

It’s hard to imagine Mills will do much to make things difficult for Carolina, but anything less than a double-digit fantasy output from this unit will feel like a disappointment.