Monday November 10, 2014
Carolina Panthers @ Philadelphia Eagles

With Cam Newton sputtering and Mark Sanchez at the helm in Philly this game could go in any direction. We all have seen Newton’s potential, nevertheless, the last few weeks have been disastrous. And of course, then there’s Sanchez. A QB who is most famous for fumbling the ball for a TD after implanting his face in to the rectum of one of his own lineman. Neither offense is in an ideal situation right now. Nor is either defense for that matter. This game may very well be won on the ground. However, Jeremy Maclin and Kelvin Benjamin may respectfully disagree with that statement. This is going to be a tough one to predict.

Carolina Panthers: Key Players

QB Cam Newton
Newton has a great matchup this week against a beat up and struggling Philly defense. The Eagles are allowing the third-most fantasy points to opposing QBs and are missing a number of key players. Most notably DeMeco Ryans who has been placed on IR after rupturing his Achilles. Newton also had a great matchup last Thursday at home against a miserable Saints’ defense. He went 10-of-28 for 151 yards and an INT. He also added a rushing TD.
Verdict: Start Newton. This is really his last shot though. If he can’t muster up a decent game in Philly, it’s time to permanently bench him.

RB DeAngelo Williams
Williams has struggled with injuries this season and even when healthy is splitting time in a crowded backfield. This backfield used to have an embarrassment of riches. Now they are just embarrassingly bad.
Verdict: Sit Williams. Not enough touches, not enough talent anymore.

RB Jonathan Stewart
You could literally copy and paste Williams’ section. These RBs are just cannibalizing each other’s value. At this point even if they were healthy and feature backs, I’m not sure that the talent is still there.
Verdict: Sit Stewart. He might get hurt. He might night get touches. He might just not play well. Those are all more likely than him having a big game.

WR Kelvin Benjamin
Benjamin may be the front runner for offensive rookie of the year. He had a bad game against New Orleans but that was more a product of Newton’s wild inaccuracy. Expect Benjamin to bounce back in a big way on Monday night. Newton can’t be that bad again.
Verdict: Start Benjamin. He is a stud and is a must start with six teams on a bye. Even with all 32 teams going he’s becoming a must start.

TE Greg Olsen
Olsen has been one of the most productive fantasy TEs this season. He is the only familiar face left for Newton to throw to from last season. He has been very good and very consistent. If you drafted him you are a very happy owner.
Verdict: Start Olsen. He’s a guy that you should be starting every week, regardless of matchup.

Philadelphia Eagles: Key Players

QB Mark Sanchez
Sanchez has a great matchup against Carolina. They’re allowing the eighth most fantasy points to opposing QBs and he had a full week to prepare with first-team reps. Still, he’s Mark Sanchez. It is very hard to feel confident starting him.
Verdict: Sit Sanchez. It is hard in good conscious to tell you to start him. His ceiling is a respectable game. I’d rather be wrong and bench him than be wrong and start him.

RB LeSean McCoy
After a slow start McCoy has started to pick it up. He is starting to look more like that guy you drafted first overall than that guy who was carrying the ball for 1.9 yards-per-carry. He has a great matchup this week as well. Hopefully he will continue to play better down the stretch.
Verdict: Start McCoy. Even when he’s not playing great, you almost have to start him. Now that he’s playing better, it’s a no brainer.

RB Darren Sproles
Sproles has had his moments but has not shown any consistency. He is very difficult to play with any confidence. He just doesn’t see the necessary touches. That could change with Sanchez but we really don’t know yet.
Verdict: Sit Sproles. He’s just too hard to trust. He may be a desperation flex this week with six teams on a bye. However, he is a serious risk of giving you next to nothing.

WR Jeremy Maclin
Maclin has been red-hot. The past two weeks he has totaled 18 receptions, 345 yards and four TDs. Needless to say those are ridiculous numbers. Until he cools down or his knee explodes, ride Maclin until the wheels fall off.
Verdict: Start Maclin. While Sanchez now being the starter is a concern, Maclin is playing way too well to sit. Hopefully he can survive or even thrive with his backup QB.

TE Zach Ertz
Ertz is going to be one of those guys that every year people are expecting that big breakout year. Much like fellow Stanford alum Coby Fleener. Guess what? It’s not going to happen, get over it.
Verdict: Sit Ertz. He’s just not very good.

Predictions

Final Score
Carolina: 27
Philadelphia: 28

Best Play

Panthers: Kelvin Benjamin
Eagles: LeSean McCoy

Sleeper
Jordan Matthews