This handed Chicago the 1st overall pick and the rights to generational talent Caleb Williams. Long story short, the Panthers have had a bad few seasons so let’s look at some ways they can bounce back. 

Bryce Young

Bryce young obviously didn’t have the best rookie season by his standards, but his career is far from over as we have seen multiple times a QB just need a better situation. For example, Trevor Lawrence seemed to be a huge bust after his rookie season in Jacksonville but then the following seasons he played like a top 10 Quarterback. Thankfully for Young, he’s going to some real help this season as the Panthers traded for Diontae Johnson and are likely to take a WR with their 33rd pick in the draft.

The Offensive Line

Young was sacked 65 times last year and with the additions of Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, that unit should be much improved. Also in terms of run blocking the Panthers ranked nearly the bottom of the league of run block win rate.

The Division

Carolina by no means are going to be contenders this year, but neither are any of the teams in the division. The buccaneers made the divisional round last year but I do not expect that level of success to continue into next year and as far as the rest of the division, it’s not looking good. Carolina has a real shot to put it all together and potentially make a run at the NFC south title. 

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Amari Cooper – All eyes are on Cooper after his dominating performance last week. For many Cooper single-handedly carried you to the championship game after putting up 265 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns in week 16. Unfortunately, Cooper is now dealing with a heel injury that may keep him out of the Thursday night game vs. the Jets. We will know later today whether he is good to go or not.

Josh Jacobs – Jacobs missed last week with a quad injury and has not been present at practice this week. If he is out again this week Zamir White will be a popular option to start as the Raiders have a plus matchup against the Colts.

Trevor Lawrence – It’s been a rough couple of weeks for Lawrence who is now dealing with a shoulder injury. He was seen at practice on Thursday but in a limited fashion. If Lawrence can’t go this week you should downgrade the offensive threats on the Jaguars.

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Quarterbacks

Joe Flacco – (18.2% Owned)

Joe Flacco has officially become a viable fantasy option at the quarterback position. Yes, we are still in 2023 which makes that statement even more baffling but the stats speak for themselves. Flacco has finished no worse than QB13 in his three games with the Cleveland Browns. He is still very much a gunslinger which means there will be mistakes but the production will be there. If you have Trevor Lawrence and are worried about his concussion you should pick up Flacco as a safety option.

Running Backs

Clyde Edwards-Helaire – (36.5% Owned)

Fellow running back Jerick McKinnon may be getting the buzz this week but Edwards-Helaire is the better option going forward. Edwards-Helaire out-touched McKinnon 17 to 7 and had 101 total yards in Sunday’s win over the Patriots. If you’re stuck deciding between the two just remember that Edwards-Helaire can also be a threat in the passing game.

Wide Receivers

Curtis Samuel – (39.7% Owned)

Playing any wide receiver in the Commanders offense is risky at this point but Samuel has been the most consistent this season. He grabbed another 2 receiving touchdowns on Sunday on 9 targets for Washington. As of now, it looks like quarterback Sam Howell will finish the season as the starter (which is the right move). If that’s the case Howell has developed a nice chemistry with Samuel and I see that continuing.

Tight Ends

Hunter Henry – (20.8% Owned)

There aren’t many options at the tight end position on the waiver wire but Henry is the best option if available. Henry has now finished back-to-back weeks inside the top 5 for tight ends including 3 receiving touchdowns in that span. He also has an excellent matchup this week with the Broncos who are giving up an average of 10.6 fantasy points per game to tight ends. If you’re thin at tight end go and grab Henry.

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Trevor Lawrence – When Lawrence went down on Monday night it didn’t look good. His ankle was stepped on and his knee was bent back in an awkward position. As of now, it looks like the injury is not as bad as it looked as Lawrence has been diagnosed with just an ankle sprain. His status on a short week is still up in the air but he hasn’t been ruled out yet by head coach Doug Pederson.

Justin Jefferson – Jefferson is finally set to return for the Vikings after missing 7 games with a hamstring injury. It comes at a perfect time for fantasy managers who could use him for the playoff run. It’s still worth keeping an eye on the Vikings practice report this week but if Jefferson is cleared to go then insert him right back in your starting lineup.

Rhamondre Stevenson – Stevenson suffered an ankle injury in the week 13 shutout to the Chargers. It looks like he will miss time and could eventually be shut down for the season. Ezekiel Elliott is set to take over the lead-back position for the foreseeable future.

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For the most part, quarterbacks who have more pocket time are more successful but that’s not always the case. If an offense is designed to get the ball out quickly the pocket time will obviously be shorter than the average. With that said let’s take a look at the pocket time for quarterbacks so far and point out some interesting facts.

In the chart above I took out quarterbacks who played less than 7 games. This way we get a good sample size of games played and can focus in on starting quarterbacks. I also kept in sacks, hurries and knockdowns to analyze if a reduced pocket time led to more quarterback pressures. Finally, I kept in passer rating to see if more pocket time led to a better overall rating. Let’s now focus on the quarterbacks that stick out to me.

Tua Tagovailoa and Trevor Lawrence

Tua Tagovailoa and Trevor Lawrence headline the bottom of this list with the least amount of pocket time. These two quarterbacks have their teams at the top of the AFC despite the least amount of pocket time. How are they so successful? Well for one the Dolphins offense is built on motion, misdirection and getting the ball out quickly. These play designs are built perfectly for Tagovailoa who doesn’t have to sit back in the pocket and absorb pressure.

In the case of Trevor Lawrence he is one the best at getting the ball out quickly and to his playmakers. Like Tagovailoa the Jaguars run a lot of RPO plays but their ADOT (Average Depth of Target) for wide receivers is 6.9 yards which is towards the bottom of the league.

Sam Howell and Patrick Mahomes

Next, let’s look at sacks and the two quarterbacks who are at the top and bottom of this category. Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has been sacked a massive 41 times so far this season but how many of those sacks are on him? Howell has an average pocket time of 2.4 seconds which is towards the top of the league. The problem with Howell is he at times holds on to the ball too long looking for the big play.

In contrast, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has only been sacked 10 times this season and has the 2nd highest pocket time at 2.6 seconds. Does that mean the Chiefs offensive line is that much better? Not necessarily as Mahomes is the best in the NFL at pocket movement and buying time with his legs. It will be fascinating to watch how these pocket times change in the 2nd half of the season for these quarterbacks and the ones that make the playoffs.

The post Analyzing Pocket Time for Quarterbacks So Far appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em

Jordan Love (@ Den) – The last time we saw Jordan Love he threw 3 interceptions against the Raiders. It was a rough outing for Love but up next he faces the lowly Broncos defense. The Broncos are allowing an average of 21.5 fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and the Packers are coming off a bye. For the most part, Love has had a solid debut season in Green Bay and he is a viable fantasy option with his rushing ability. I expect Love to finish with 2 passing touchdowns and over 30+ rushing yards in this one.

Sit ‘Em

Trevor Lawrence (@ NO) – As of now it looks like Lawrence will suit up tonight against the Saints. He is dealing with a minor knee injury but it’s not expected to be serious. Even if completely healthy the Saints have mostly shut down opposing quarterbacks allowing an average of 14.1 fantasy points per game to them. If Lawrence does play I expect the Jaguars to lean heavily on Travis Etienne in this one. I would also be hesitant to start any Jaguars pass catchers tonight.

Running Backs

Start ‘Em

Brian Robinson Jr. (@ NYG) – Robinson has yet to break the 100+ rushing mark in a game but that could change on Sunday. Robinson will go up against a Giants defense that as a team is giving up 147.5 rushing yards per game. Really the only thing holding Robinson back is the pass-heavy play calling by Eric Bieniemy. This is the week to lean in on the run as wind could be a factor in this game.

Sit ‘Em

Raheem Mostert (@ Phi) – Sit a skill player on the Dolphins offense? It sounds crazy but Miami is set to face the Eagles defense that has been stout against the run. The Eagles are allowing an average of just 9.4 fantasy points to opposing running backs thus far. It will also be a chilly Sunday night game in Philly which favors the Eagles at home. This will be a good measuring stick game for the Dolphins on the road. I will be watching closely to see how well their offense performs in these conditions.

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em

Drake London (@ TB) – Drake London started the season slowly but is starting to heat up. He had 9 receptions on 12 targets for 125 receiving yards last week vs. the Commanders. London has had 21 targets in the last two games as the Falcons are looking to get him more involved in the passing game. Up next is Tampa Bay who have struggled to contain #1 receivers this season. I see London getting his 3rd touchdown of the season in this one.

Sit ‘Em

George Pickens (@ LAR) – Last time we saw him Pickens scored the go-ahead touchdown in week 5 vs. the Ravens. He finished with 130 receiving yards in that game and 23.6 fantasy points. Up next is the Rams defense who have been solid against opposing wide receivers so far this season. On top of that, it looks like Diontae Johnson is set to return from IR which will take some of the targets away from Pickens.

Tight Ends

Start ‘Em

Michael Mayer (@ Chi) – It took some time but Michael Mayer finally showed off his potential in week 6. Mayer finished with 6 catches and 75 receiving yards on 6 targets against the Patriots. Up next he gets the Bears defense who have struggled stopping opposing tight ends this season. If you are thin at tight end, Mayer is worth starting and he is still just 12.8% rostered in leagues.

Sit ‘Em

Hunter Henry (vs. Buf) – Henry had a strong start to the season but has been non-existent in his last two games. He is also dealing with an ankle injury that will limit his mobility. The matchup isn’t great either as the Patriots will face the Bills at home on Sunday. Sit Henry until he regains his early-season form.

Start of the Week

Aaron Jones (@ Den) – Despite dealing with a hamstring injury that has him limited in practice, Jones is set for a big day on Sunday. The Packers are coming off a bye which should help in Jones’s recovery. He is also facing the Broncos rush defense whom have been abysmal at stopping opposing running backs. As usual, be sure to monitor his injury but if he is good to go Jones should go off in week 7.

The post 2023-24 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 7 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Christian McCaffrey – McCaffrey picked up an oblique injury in Sunday’s loss to the Cleveland Browns. The good news is the 49ers don’t play until Monday night. Still, there is cause for concern for McCaffrey owners and how serious the injury is. We should know more later on Wednesday after the 49ers practice report.

Trevor Lawrence – Lawrence suffered a knee injury late in Jacksonville’s win over the Colts. At this point, it looks like he avoided any serious injury and was limited at Tuesday’s practice. Keep in mind, the Jaguars play on Thursday night and if Lawrence is still having soreness he may be sidelined.

David Montgomery – Montgomery is dealing with an injury to his ribs that may keep him out of the week 7 matchup versus Baltimore. Head coach Dan Campbell recently stated that he will be out “a little bit” which is vague but doesn’t look good for Sunday.

The post 2023-24 Fantasy Football Week 7 Rankings appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Quarterbacks

Start ‘Em

Sam Howell (vs. Chi) – Howell bounced back from a rough outing against the Bills and almost led the Commanders to an overtime victory versus the Eagles. Next up is the lowly Chicago Bears who are in complete disarray. The Bears defense is allowing 22.1 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks and they will be without DBs Eddie Jackson and Jaylon Johnson. Expect a big game from Howell and also the Commanders receivers.

Sit ‘Em

Trevor Lawrence (@ Buf) – Lawrence started to show signs of life in the week 4 victory against the Falcons but next up are the red-hot Bills. Even though this game will be in London it could be a long day for the Jaguars offense. The Buffalo defense is for real and they were able to keep the high-powered Dolphins offense in check last week. I do like Lawrence’s prospects for the rest of the season just not in this game.

Running Backs

Start ‘Em

Breece Hall (@ Den) – Hall has disappointed thus far but that will change Sunday when the Jets travel to Denver. According to reports Hall will no longer be on a snap count and this is the perfect game to unleash him. The Broncos defense has been dreadful against the run allowing an average of 38.0 fantasy points per game to running backs. Don’t forget about last year when Hall torched the Broncos for a 62-yard touchdown before he went down with an ACL injury.

Sit ‘Em

Kyren Williams (vs. Phi) – Williams has been a nice surprise this season but he will take a step back Sunday versus the Eagles. Williams is dealing with a hip injury that may hamper his effectiveness. He is also up against the vaunted Eagles d-line that is also tough to run against. Sit Williams but just for this week.

Wide Receivers

Start ‘Em

Michael Pittman Jr. (vs. Ind) – Pittman was quiet on Sunday versus the Rams. He had a season-low 5 targets and only 15 receiving yards. That will change when the Titans come to town in week 5. Pittman has yet to eclipse the 100-yard receiving mark but I believe this is the game he does it. The Titans defense is allowing an average of 26.2 fantasy points to wide receivers so far this season.

Sit ‘Em

George Pickens (vs. Bal) – What has happened to the Steelers offense? Pittsburgh laid another egg last Sunday when they were dominated by Houston. Up next is Baltimore who will be looking to add to the Steelers misery. Quarterback Kenny Pickett is dealing with a bone bruise in his knee but is still expected to play. Even when he was healthy Pittsburgh’s offense just looks off. It could be another long day for Pickett and Pickens.

Tight Ends

Start ‘Em

Zach Ertz (vs. Cin) – Ertz had his second 10-target game in week 4 as the Cardinals continue to look his way. I can see Ertz grabbing his first touchdown of the season versus a struggling Bengals defense. Cincinnati is allowing an average of 10 fantasy points per game to tight ends thus far. Ertz should be a big part of the game plan again this week.

Sit ‘Em

Cole Kmet (@ Was) – It’s hard to start anyone on the Bears offense this week against Washington. Kmet had a huge game versus the Broncos in week 4 where he hauled in 2 touchdowns. The momentum won’t continue on Thursday night as Washington has allowed minimal production to opposing tight ends.

Start of the Week

Zay Flowers (@ Pit) – Despite decent production, Flowers has yet to find the end zone. That will change on Sunday versus the Steelers. The volume has been there for Flowers but he has yet to have a breakout game. Pittsburgh is allowing an average of 31.3 fantasy points to opposing wide receivers and just gave up 168 yards to the Texans Nico Collins. This is the week we see big returns for Flowers.

The post 2023-24 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 5 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

The Good

We knew Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave had all the tools to be special at the next level. We didn’t know he was going to be this good this fast. Olave had an impressive rookie season with the Saints where he had 1000+ receiving yards despite sub-par quarterback play. He was extremely efficient and for the most part, was the Saints WR1 even though he was a rookie. Olave had a 25% target share in the Saints offense which showed he was a huge part of their gameplan.

Olave will now get the chance to play alongside Michael Thomas who is coming back after missing most of the 2022 season. If Thomas can regain his old form these two receivers could be a deadly combination for Derek Carr and the passing game.

The Bad

The main weakness on this Saints team will be the offensive line. Trevor Penning takes over the LT position after playing limited snaps in 2022. Elsewhere C Erik McCoy should have another solid season as he has been one of the strengths of this line. There are questions though at the RG position as Cesar Ruiz hasn’t quite panned out the way they hoped. The bottom line is if the unit struggles it could really limit what the Saints do on offense. Carr still has some mobility but he is losing some pace as he gets older.

The Prediction

If you look at the Saints schedule it has to be one easiest in the NFL. They have many favorable matchups including opposing quarterbacks they will face. The toughest quarterback they play this season will be Trevor Lawrence and that’s a home game. I see the Saints winning the NFC South as Derek Carr has a successful first year in New Orleans.

2023 Record: 11-6 (1st in the Division)

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The Good

Like many rookies coming into the NFL, Trevor Lawrence struggled through his first year. The former #1 pick from Clemson was tied for the lead league in interceptions during his debut season in Jacksonville with 17. While the interceptions were troubling Lawrence showed the ability to quickly move on from his mistakes and move to the next play. This trait is especially important for young quarterbacks as they continue their development.

Flash forward to the 2023 playoffs can you can see tremendous growth from Lawrence. He was able to rally his team from a 27-point deficit to the Chargers despite 4 first-half interceptions. Lawrence has always had the physical traits of an elite quarterback but this type of mental fortitude bodes well for his future.

The Bad

If you’re looking for a weakness on this Jaguars team, it’s the offensive line. With the suspension of LT Cam Robinson for PED use, Jacksonville will be thin on o-line for the first 4 games. It looks like they will also start rookie RT Anton Harrison who they drafted in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. RG Brandon Scherff is really the only player upfront with no question marks. In order for the Jaguars to be successful they will need to protect Lawrence. Whether they can do so remains to be seen.

The Prediction

Despite the concerns on the offensive line, I still see the Jaguars winning the AFC South. The talent on offense along with the emergence of Trevor Lawrence will push the Jaguars to one of the best teams in the AFC. If Calvin Ridley can return to his old form the Jaguars will be even that much more dangerous.

2023 Record: 12-5 (1st in the Division)

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