Panthers at Saints

This game is among those that only matter for draft position as both teams are already eliminated from playoff contention. As of now, we expect both teams to play the majority of their starters, but it is always worth monitoring for surprise inactives before kickoff. 

Despite their playoff hopes ending with a loss to the Bucs last week, the Panthers have actually played decent football down the stretch. Since Sam Darnold took over at QB in Week 12, Carolina has gone 3-2 and averaged 26 points per game. We have seen a resurgence from D.J. Moore, who has been the WR9 in half PPR per game scoring during that same time. He is currently the WR19 in the Week 18 Fantasy Life consensus rankings. The other focal point of the Carolina offense is D’Onta Foreman, who closes out the year as a flex-level play and has likely earned himself a nice contract somewhere next season. 

Unfortunately for Carolina, the boost to their offense has coincided with struggles on the defensive side. Over their last four games, they have given up at least 24 points each week, and 30 or more in three of those games. They have been particularly vulnerable to opposing passing attacks, ranking 30th in fantasy scoring allowed to opposing WRs for the season, and giving up 787 yards and 6 TDs through the air over their past two games. 

The Saints will close out the year with Andy Dalton still under center and the direction of their franchise in serious question. As a team that is going to have to make a decision on reloading versus rebuilding this offseason, the talent evaluation that can take place in a game like this is vitally important. One player who has stepped up and made a case for his future in the offense is WR Rashid Shaheed. The rookie has at least 75 receiving yards in three of his last four games and has emerged as a constant big play threat, averaging 18 yards per reception this season. His fellow rookie WR, Chris Olave, is on the WR2/3 border this week and has a nice ceiling with the soft matchup. 

At the RB position, Alvin Kamara will look to end his disappointing season on a high note and is a low-level RB1 in the Fantasy Life rankings. Meanwhile, TE Taysom Hill should continue to be involved in the offense and his role in the red zone makes him a solid fantasy option.

The Saints are currently 3.5-point favorites but this game could really go in any direction depending on who shows up motivated to play. I won’t be betting a side in this one but there are a number of players that are fun options in DFS tournaments and you might even be able to get away with an Andy Dalton double stack if you are feeling bold.