Monday November 2, 2015

Indianapolis Colts @ Carolina Panthers

Surprisingly the Panthers have thrived despite the loss of Kelvin Benjamin to a training camp ACL tear. They have a tremendous young defense and Cam Newton has really begin to come into his own, although, he has certainly had his ups and downs. The Colts on the other hand have struggled mightily when not playing inept AFC South opponents. You could see it coming from a mile away. They are horrible constructed. They’re bad up the middle on both sides of the ball. It’s a major issue when you can’t protect or get at the quarterback. They drafted a speed receiver in Phillip Dorsett and inexplicable extended T.Y. Hilton right after with a huge contract. Their offseason acquisitions will be in a senior citizens home soon and the defense still can’t stop anybody. However, we all though Andrew Luck could overcome all those shortcomings like he has in the past. Turns out that’s not the case, at least not so far.

Indianapolis Colts: Key Players

QB Andrew Luck

Luck is currently the Fantasy QB22. That is simply astonishing. Yes, some of that is the missed time with a shoulder injury, but still. I thought he’d be the QB1 this season. For the sake of his Fantasy owners, he needs to turn this around quick. Carolina is a tough defense to do that against.

Verdict: Start Luck. Yes he’s been bad. Still, it’s not time to give up on him. You should still be starting him every week.

RB Frank Gore

Gore is old and hasn’t looked great this season. With that said, Indy hasn’t been to sustain a running game in years. It may not all be Gore’s fault, nevertheless, he isn’t producing. He’s yet to put up 100 yards from scrimmage this season.

Verdict: Sit Gore. It’s hard not to hate the Colts’ rushing attack. Watch out for defensive tackle Kawann Short this week. He’s a star in the making.

WR T.Y. Hilton

Hilton is coming off a monster four catch, 150 yard and two touchdown season. With that said, he only caught four of 16 targets. That’s mind-bogglingly in efficient.

Verdict: Start Hilton. You have to start Hilton, he has too much upside. In all honesty though, I’m not a fan of his talent in general.

TE Dwayne Allen

Allen hasn’t been good this season. Not at all. Last season he was as consistent a TE you would ever see. His receptions and yards are rarely good, but he is Luck’s favorite red zone target. Nonetheless, it hasn’t shown so far this season. Injury has played a role.

Verdict: Sit Allen. He just hasn’t been very good this year. With just eight catches for 71 yards and TD this year, his Fantasy value is minimal.

Carolina Panthers: Key Player

QB Cam Newton

Newton has been very good this season from a real life perspective. However, he’s been up and down throwing the ball in Fantasy. Luckily his running has really carried him. He’s run the ball 54 times to just 101 completions.

Verdict: Start Newton. The Colts are a pretty great matchup for just about everybody. Look for Newton to get back on track this week and really dominate on the ground.

RB Jonathan Stewart

After four lackluster games, Stewart has had two big outings. He’s also seen a big boost in carries the past two weeks. Still, I’m just not a believer in Stewart based on his current talent level.

Verdict: Start Stewart. Only because you always start your running backs against the Colts.

WR Ted Ginn Jr.

The Panthers WR corps are nightmarishly bad. Still, we had to touch on one of them. If you insist on playing a Panthers wideout this week, and I don’t know why you would, Ginn is your man.

Verdict: Sit Ginn. The Carolina WRs are just awful. Leave him on your bench.

TE Greg Olsen

After Gronk, Olsen may be the best tight end in Fantasy Football. Yes, he is currently the TE4, but I fully expect him at No. 2 by the seasons end. He’s been targeted 11 times or more in three of six games.

Verdict: Start Olsen. He’s a must-start each and every week.

Final Score

Indianapolis: 20

Carolina: 27

Best Play

Colts: Andrew Luck

Panthers: Cam Newton

Sleeper

Cameron Artis-Payne