Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, January 2nd at 4:25pPM ET
Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Betting Odds: NO +7, 38 total via Oddsshark
Network: Fox
Carolina Panthers
Quarterback
Sam Darnold (Sit)
So we know one thing. Sam Darnold is better than Cam Newton. At least according to the Panthers coaching staff. That might not be saying much. Darnold took over for Cam in the Week 16 loss to the Buccaneers and now looks to be the starter for the remainder of the season minus injury. The Panthers don’t have anything left to play for other than evaluating talent for next year. Darnold has to face CBS’s 9th best defense in giving up points to the QB position so it will be a tough day for him. He hasn’t shown much this season with 7 touchdowns compared to 11 interceptions. Given how bad Darnold is and the matchup there is no way you are starting him in fantasy even if you are in the loser, I mean consolation bracket.
Running Backs
Chubba Hubbard (Start, Flex), Ameer Abdullah (Sit)
I really wish I was writing about Christian McCaffery this week since it’s the fantasy championships for most people. Byt at least I have to tell you about Chubba Hubbard. Let’s start with the good news. The last time the Panthers played the Saints McCaffery rushed for 72 yards and a touchdown and caught 5 passes for 65 yards. Hubbard doesn’t have the same level of skill that McCaffery has so I’m not expecting that level of production from him. That was also back in week 2. Now the Saints defense is ranked 3rd by CBS. That’s a really tough matchup for Hubbard and the change of pace back Ameer Abdullah. That’s the bad news. I do think there will be a decent amount of volume for Hubbard with Darnold starting over Newton. Back in weeks 5 through 8 he was averaging 16.5 carries per game. He’s a low-end flex for me this week
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
D.J. Moore (WR 1), Robby Anderson (Sit, Flex), Terrace Marshall (Sit), Ian Thomas (Sit), Tommy Tremble (Sit)
It seems like there is something not great between Roddy Anderson and Sam Darnold. He just doesn’t seem to want to pass him the ball. Once Darnold came in last week Anderson only saw 4 targets. Where he doesn’t seem to like Anderson He seems to love D.J. Moore. He hasn’t scored in a few weeks but he has had Newton throwing the ball. If the Panthers want to have any success they will have to get Moore the ball more. He is one touchdown away from setting a new career-high and could set career highs for yards this season if he has two good weeks. Moore will probably see a lot of coverage from Marshon Lattimore who is a top 20 coverage corner. Week 2 Moore had 11 targets, 8 catches for 79 yards, and a score. He is worth starting this week. Rookie Terrace Marshall should see increased playing time as the Panthers looks to get the young man some NFL experience and see what he can be for the future. The same can be said about rookie tight end Tommy Tremble. I don’t think either will be fantasy-relevant unless they score a touchdown.
New Orleans Saints
Quarterback
Taysom Hill (Sit, High-end QB2)
The hope is that Taysom Hill will come off the Covid list and be able to play week 17 against the Panthers. Ian Book played admirably but didn’t exactly wow anyone. Hill brings his experience and rushing upside to the Saints who have an outside chance to still make the playoffs. It’s a tough matchup against CBS’s 5th ranked defense. Hill’s rushing upside makes him an interesting fantasy quarterback but with a lack of weapons in the passing game. a tough match-up and only having 2 games where he was a QB1 make him a bench for me this week.
Running Backs
Alvin Kamara (Start, RB1), Mark Ingram (Sit), Ty Montgomery (Sit)
Despite having a down past two weeks Alvin Kamara is a top back and should be started as one. The Panthers did shut him down back in week two but that was so long ago. Kamara’s pass-catching work will also help him with fantasy. Despite the O-line for the Saints being injured and piecemealed together, there is still plenty of opportunities and volume for Kamara. Mark Ingram is much more of the bruiser back and the O-line injuries lead to very limited work in week 16. He really doesn’t have any fantasy value as long as Kamara is playing
Wide Receivers/ Tight Ends
Marquez Callaway (Start, Flex) Tre’Quan Smith (Sit), Lil’Jordan Humphrey (Sit, Flex), Deonte Harris (Suspended), Adam Trautman (Sit)
It’s going to be a tough matchup for the pass catchers of the Saints. CBS has the Panthers ranked 7th in terms of giving up points to the wide receiver position. The boast cornerbacks Stefon Gilmore and A.J. Bouye. PFF has them ranked as 79.4 and 68.5 in coverage. Both ranked fairly high. This doesn’t look great for the likes of Marquez Callaway and Tre’Quan Smith. Callaway’s value really comes out of volume. He does have 6 touchdowns on the year but hasn’t scored since week 11. Smith is currently questionable and his status really affects the value and opportunities for Lil’Jordan Humphrey. He has been the deep play threat and one catch means a decent amount of fantasy points. Tight end Adam Trautman should come off the covid list and play but it’s a risky start since he has missed time and really hasn’t been great when he has played.
-Dustin Ludke (Dunit13dl on Reddit)
Curious if you take weather into account (GB vs. Minnesota)?