Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, September 27 at 4:05 PM ET
Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Betting Odds: LAC -6.5, 44 total via Oddsshark
Network: CBS
Carolina Panthers
Quarterback
Teddy Bridgewater (Sit)
While putting up an admiral yardage total through two games, 636 to be exact, Teddy Bridgewater has only limped to a 1:2 TD: INT ration to start the year. That isn’t what you want through one game for your fantasy quarterback, much less in two games. With Christian McCaffery out for the foreseeable future, the Panthers will have to lean on the arm of Bridgewater. With that being said, he is not someone you want to start, especially against this defensive line that had Patrick Mahomes under pressure all day in Week 2. Keep Bridgewater on the bench, better yet on the waiver wire.
Running Backs
Mike Davis (Start, RB2), Trenton Cannon (Sit)
To the woe of those with the number 1 pick in fantasy drafts this year, Christian McCaffery is on the IR, albeit for a (hopeful) short time. In the meantime, Mike Davis came in and did virtually nothing on the ground, but caught all eight of his targets for 74 yards, and looks to be the benefactor of the vacated touches. Look for Davis to be involved enough in the passing game to be a viable RB2 as long as CMC is out. For now, Trenton Cannon is not in consideration to be added to any leagues.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
DJ Moore (Start, WR1), Robby Anderson (Start, Flex), Curtis Samuel (Sit), Ian Thomas (Sit)
Panthers, and expected fantasy WR1, DJ Moore broke out in Week 2 after a lackluster Week 1 to the tune of 8/120, becoming the focal point with CMC going down with an injury. Now vaulted to the top WR on an air raid offense with no ground game to speak of, Moore should be an every-week WR1 while CMC is out, and hopefully beyond. Robby Anderson was never known for his consistency but has put together a strong start to the season with 15/223/1. After back to back 100+ yard games, Anderson is trending towards the WR2 territory, but I am tempering expectations against the Chargers. Still, a solid flex play, fire Anderson up to in hopes that he will continue handling a healthy target share. Other pass-catchers are off the radar for the time being until bye weeks begin.
Los Angeles Chargers
Quarterback
Justin Herbert (Top Streamer of the Week)
What a mess! Minutes before kickoff we found out that Tyrod Taylor wasn’t able to go with a chest complication, but we now know that a team doctor accidentally punctured the lung of Tyrod giving an injection. With that being said, Justin Herbert came in and played admirably against the defending Super Bowl champions. Herbert put up 311 yards with one touchdown and one interception while adding another score on the ground. If you are finding yourself in the position where you are streaming or looking for a replacement, Herbert is my top streamer of the week going against a Carolina defense that hasn’t knocked down a quarterback yet this year.
Running Backs
Austin Ekeler (Start, RB1), Joshua Kelley (Start, RB2)
We have another 1-2 punch for the Chargers in the form of Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley. After handling 19 carries in Week 1, Ekeler gave way to the rookie to lead in the carries department this week, watching Kelley get over 20 carries. While they weren’t the most productive carries, Kelley looks to be the trusted back running downhill and grinding out yards. The surprise start of Justin Herbert allowed for Ekeler and Kelley to be much more involved in the passing game after a down Week 1 with Tyrod Taylor at the helm. Look for the trend to continue for these guys as long as Herbert is leading a much more dynamic offense.
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Keenan Allen (Start, WR2), Mike Williams (Sit), Hunter Henry (Start, TE1)
Chargers top wide receiver Keenan Allen had a nice week with Herbert under center, totaling 7/96 after a down first week. Keep firing him up as a WR2 as he is looking like a haven for the rookie quarterback. Always boom or bust, Mike Williams may seem curious as a sit after being a popular waiver wire add this week, but I want to see him produce a little bit before putting him in lineups. He is an upside stash, but nothing more at the moment. On the other hand, Hunter Henry has been Mr. Steady in this offense and as long as his health stays positive, so will his fantasy outlook. Fire him up as a solid TE1 this week.
-Matt Dean (@MattDeanQBList on twitter, mdean8 on Reddit)
The Giant’s front is really good. I know you didn’t watch the game, but you might want to next time.
The same front that imploded against the Steelers and folds like a lawn chair every Sunday? Anyone who wasted waiver wire spots on any of those RB’s deserves to lose.
Why is Gage set at (Sit) if the blurb about him is positive?
Because he’s the third best receiver on his team.
hmm not sure how Gurley is an RB2 and David Mont is only a flex. Mont has looked better and Gurley has to deal with 2 other rbs stealing carries and arguably looking better than him.