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The Carolina Panthers have quickly subverted the low expectations with which they entered the 2020 season. Not only do they have a winning record entering Week 6, but the Panthers run one of the most creative offenses in the league, a scheme made possible by the team’s cavalcade of speedster wide receivers.
Fantasy Football analysis: Panthers WRs Robby Anderson, DJ Moore, Curtis Samuel
After moving on from the New York Jets earlier this offseason, Anderson landed a lucrative deal to join the Panthers. While his exact place within the offense didn’t appear clear at the time, Anderson has served in a number of roles, spending nearly 30% of his offensive snaps in the slot. That figure represents a huge uptick from the year before, giving Anderson more chances for favorable matchups.
Between the more favorable usage and the heightened offensive creativity, Anderson finds himself on pace for a career year. He already has 489 yards and a touchdown on 36 receptions, each the top marks on the team. While defenses have often focused on Anderson as the Panthers’ No. 1 receiver, he still manages to create separation on 47.8% of his snaps, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Even against a decent pass defense like the Chicago Bears’, Anderson should still create a few opportunities for big plays.
D.J. Moore doesn’t match Anderson om terms of volume stats, but he offers even more speed and explosiveness. That largely explains why the former first-round pick averages over 17 yards per reception (Anderson averages just 13.6) and an average depth of target of 12.2 (Anderson comes in at 9.4). Given the more favorable coverage, Moore can go off this week.
Curtis Samuel offers the most versatility of the Panthers’ leading trio of wideouts. His size and agility allow him to factor into the ground game, something neither Anderson nor Moore generally do. Samuel has 15 carries for 63 yards likely won’t sway a fantasy matchup, but as offensive coordinator Joe Brady reveals more of his playbook, Samuel’s chances of breaking off a huge play and potentially scoring increase.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Start Anderson as a high-end WR2.
Start Moore as a WR3 or flex.
Start Samuel as an emergency flex only.