Fantasy: 2019 Projections - Will Moore and Samuel break out for Panthers?
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With training camps approaching, theScore's Justin Boone is releasing his offensive projections for all 32 teams, including his thoughts on every fantasy-relevant player.
Projections are based on the following point values in PPR leagues:
- Passing Yards: 1 point per 25 yards
- Passing TDs: 4 points
- Interceptions: -2 points
- Rushing Yards: 1 point per 10 yards
- Rushing TDs: 6 points
- Receptions: 1 point
- Receiving Yards: 1 point per 10 yards
- Receiving TDs: 6 points
- Fumbles Lost: -2 points
- Two-point Conversions: 2 points
AFC East
NE | BUF | NYJ | MIA
NFC West
LAR | SF | SEA | ARI
AFC North
BAL | CIN | PIT | CLE
NFC South
ATL | NO | CAR | TB
| Fantasy Points | 304 |
|---|---|
| Attempts | 529 |
| Completions | 334 |
| Pass Yards | 3705 |
| Pass TDs | 26 |
| INTs | 13 |
| Carries | 104 |
| Rush Yards | 478 |
| Rush TDs | 5 |
| Fumbles Lost | 1 |
| 2PT | 1 |
Prior to his shoulder injury limiting and ultimately sidelining him near the end of the season, Newton was extremely effective in Norv Turner's offense. The Panthers quarterback had the third-most fantasy points among QBs through Week 13. Concerns about his shoulder are dissipating after he was cleared to throw at OTAs and he's expected to be a full participant when training camp opens. With his health improving, Newton is moving back up my fantasy rankings into the top seven.
Quarterback depth: As Newton recovered from shoulder surgery, the Panthers selected Will Grier in the third round. The 24-year-old's fearlessness when challenging defenses downfield will win over fans, but he may not have the arm strength to overcome his occasionally very poor decision-making. Whereas Newton is an excellent scrambler, Grier is atrocious when the pocket collapses and often loses many more yards than he needs to while trying to evade tacklers. Even if Kyle Allen or Taylor Heinicke holds off Grier for the No. 2 job, no one from this group will be worth fantasy consideration if Newton gets hurt again.
Christian McCaffrey, RB| Fantasy Points | 361.7 |
|---|---|
| Carries | 212 |
| Rush Yards | 1049 |
| Rush TDs | 8 |
| Fumbles Lost | 1 |
| Targets | 119 |
| Receptions | 96 |
| Rec. Yards | 768 |
| Rec. TDs | 6 |
| 2PT | 1 |
McCaffrey proved all the doubters wrong when he played a full 16-game schedule as a true workhorse. Every running back has a heightened risk of injury compared to most other positions, but McCaffrey is capable of repeating his 2018 performance. He deserves to be taken as one of the top three picks in fantasy drafts this season.
Running back depth: Identifying backup running backs is a valuable tool in fantasy and Carolina might have one of the most difficult backfields to decipher behind its starter. Jordan Scarlett fell to the fifth round due to off-field issues and Elijah Holyfield went undrafted after tanking in the physical testing leading up to the draft. The rookies will compete with Cameron Artis-Payne and Elijah Hood in a battle that will drag out through camp. Scarlett looks like the early favorite and is therefore worth stashing in deep leagues.
D.J. Moore, WR| Fantasy Points | 213 |
|---|---|
| Targets | 111 |
| Receptions | 67 |
| Rec. Yards | 931 |
| Rec. TDs | 5 |
| Carries | 19 |
| Rush Yards | 229 |
| Rush TDs | 1 |
| Fumbles Lost | 3 |
| 2PT | 0 |
The Panthers' first-round pick in 2018 enters his sophomore campaign as the unquestioned top receiver in Carolina. Moore was the WR27 in fantasy over the last seven games, a stretch that coincided with an uptick in playing time and targets. His usage as a ball carrier (13 carries for 172 yards as a rookie) is something few wideouts can offer fantasy managers and will put him into the top 25 this season.
Curtis Samuel, WR| Fantasy Points | 179.8 |
|---|---|
| Targets | 112 |
| Receptions | 61 |
| Rec. Yards | 847 |
| Rec. TDs | 5 |
| Carries | 9 |
| Rush Yards | 81 |
| Rush TDs | 0 |
| Fumbles Lost | 2 |
| 2PT | 0 |
If you didn't already notice, Samuel is projected to see more targets than his more hyped teammate. The pair's target totals were nearly identical in the second half of the season when they both emerged as full-time starters. However, Moore had a much better catch rate. If his volume stays the same, Samuel could push his way into the top 36. He's a screaming value in fantasy drafts where his ADP is five rounds later than Moore.
Receiver depth: Normally, we've given projections for a third receiver, but the Panthers don't have a clear starter in that spot and none of the players vying for the role inspire much confidence in fantasy. Jarius Wright, Chris Hogan, Torrey Smith, Aldrick Robinson, and Rashad Ross can all be left on the waiver wire.
Greg Olsen, TE| Fantasy Points | 90.4 |
|---|---|
| Targets | 53 |
| Receptions | 31 |
| Rec. Yards | 334 |
| Rec. TDs | 4 |
| Carries | 0 |
| Rush Yards | 0 |
| Rush TDs | 0 |
| Fumbles Lost | 0 |
| 2PT | 1 |
Olsen has missed 16 games over the past two seasons while dealing with foot injuries. Though the 34-year-old is doing everything he can to return to form, foot problems often force players into retirement. With a promising broadcasting career ahead of him, it wouldn't be shocking if the next ailment sent Olsen to the sidelines for good. We're forecasting 10 games for the veteran tight end this season and wouldn't draft him anywhere.
Tight end depth: Ian Thomas gave Panthers fans a glimpse of the future as he filled in for Olsen during the month of December. The 23-year-old was the TE6 over the final five games and was playing at an 80-catch, 787-yard, six-touchdown pace. Whenever Olsen eventually calls it a career, Thomas will immediately be a breakout candidate.
2019 Fantasy ProjectionsAFC East
NE | BUF | NYJ | MIA
NFC West
LAR | SF | SEA | ARI
AFC North
BAL | CIN | PIT | CLE
NFC South
ATL | NO | CAR | TB
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