Panthers@Colts
Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, December 22nd at 1:00 PM EST
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Betting Odds: IND -7, 46 total via Oddsshark
Network: FOX
Sleeper Spotlight: Marlon Mack
Carolina Panthers
Quarterbacks:
- Will Grier (Sit)
This should be quick. Rookie Will Grier is expected to get the start this week against the Colts in place of Kyle Allen. The Panthers are losers of six in a row, and it looks as if Allen is losing his job as well. Grier last saw the field in the preseason and wasn’t all that impressive. It’ll be interesting to see how he fares over these final two games.
Running Back:
- Christian McCaffrey (Start, RB1)
Chances are if you drafted Christian McCaffrey, you’re playing for silverware this week. No doubt the number one fantasy player this season, CMC is coming off a monster game against the Seahawks; 87 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries, as well as eight receptions on 10 targets for 88 yards. Already reliant on heavily every week, look for Grier to lean on McCaffrey this week, only helping his cause to carry your team as he has all year long.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends:
- DJ Moore (Start, WR2 with WR1 upside)
- Curtis Samuel (Sit)
- Greg Olsen (Start if active, TE2)
- Ian Thomas (Start, TE2)
DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel could be in line to take a hit with Grier in at QB. That being said, Moore has been able to produce all season long with Allen, so I would still fire him up with confidence this week. He’s been quite the pleasant surprise this, and you’ll hope his stellar plays continues. Samuel is the odd man out here, and I wouldn’t want to start him, even though the Colts have given up the 11th most fantasy points to wide receivers this season.
Greg Olsen was cleared from the concussion protocol this Monday, happening rather quickly after being ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Seahawks. If he’s active, I’d start him and hope Grier uses him as a safety blanket. If Ian Thomas is the guy instead, he should be considered to finish as the same TE2. Indianapolis has given up the 12th most fantasy points to the tight end.
Indianapolis Colts
Quarterback:
- Jacoby Brissett (Sit)
Having been the subject of early-season banter with MVP chatter, Jacoby Brissett has been as pedestrian a QB as you can find. Week 15 against the Saints he was rather brutal, going 18 for 34, 165 yards and no touchdowns. His days of being a viable streamer have been over for a few weeks now, and that remains to be the case despite the favorable matchup against Carolina.
Running Backs:
- Marlon Mack (Start, RB2)
- Nyheim Hines (Sit)
- Jordan Wilkins (Sit)
Coming off his worst game of the season, Marlon Mack will look to rebound against the league’s worst run defense. The Panthers are a funnel for running backs, and I would bet on Mack to put on a show to brush aside his 11 carries for 19 yards performance against the Saints; woof. Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins can be left out of your lineups. Speaking of left out, where in the world is Jonathan Williams? Talk about getting the raw end of the deal…
Wide Receivers/Tight End:
- Zach Pascal (Start, FLEX)
- T.Y. Hilton (Sit)
- Marcus Johnson (Sit)
- Jack Doyle (Start, TE2)
With the Colts now eliminated from playoff contention, it’ll be interesting to see if T.Y. Hilton even suits up. Battling a calf issue all season, I wouldn’t trust starting him in my meaningful matchup as he plays in a ‘meaningless’ game in reality. Zach Pascal is interesting and could give back FLEX production, with or without an active Hilton. Marcus Johnson remains to not be a viable option.
If Jack Doyle is your only option at tight end this week, you can start him and hope he bounces back from his recent duds. The Panthers defend the TE very well though, having given up the second-fewest fantasy points to the position.
-Matthew Cava (@cavaM_ Twitter & Reddit)
Richard Sherman has been a full participant in practice both Wednesday and Thursday this week and is expected to play this weekend by SF’s beat writers. Why do you believe he is unlikely to play?
Hi Aaron, I too graduated from Kennesaw College (1981) and grew up in Smyrna. I am very active in fantasy with over 60 teams. I own a sports memorabilia business that publishes a small circulation magazine (catalog). I love your weekly analysis and I look to you for start/sit decisions, and I am winning. Thanks for the help. I am also working on a book on fantasy sports. I would love to chat. You are welcome to email me to start a discussion. Also I am a major Atlanta sports fan since 1966, and I did attend the worst game in Braves history this past September, the final game.