Our Carolina Panthers 2022 Fantasy Preview gives you the run down on the teams outlook going into the season. The Panthers coaching staff was shuffled a bit, with the team bringing in former New York Giants HC Ben McAdoo. Previously he was happy to throw the ball, which should mean plenty of opportunities for the players in the offense.
Notable Offseason Moves
Additions
- Baker Mayfield (QB)
- D’Onta Foreman (RB)
- Andre Roberts (WR)
- Rashard Higgins (WR)
Departures
- Cam Newton (QB)
- Ameer Abdullah (RB)
- Alex Erickson (WR)
Positional Previews
Notable Players- Sam Darnold & Matt Corral
Things haven’t exactly worked out for Darnold in the NFL. After resetting his career in moving away from New York, he started his career effectively in Carolina- then the wheels very much fell off. Alot of that early success comes from the early rushing TDs that he scored, scoring five in just four games. As a result of the struggles, the team are clearly looking at getting a replacement.
Matt Corral could be the guy, and could be as soon as Week 1. Having a mix of QBs means that neither are really worthwhile for fantasy.
Infact, the QB for the season might not even be on the roster! The Panthers have made no secret of the fact that they are in the market for a QB. I’m not interested in the Panthers QB position until there is more clarity around the position.
**UPDATE** Baker Mayfield Addition
In acquiring Mayfield, the team have upgraded their QB situation. Even at his worst, he has performed more consistently than anyone the team had rostered previously. Mayfield coming in doesn’t really move the needle for me on the main pieces of the offense, but it does give slightly more value to the secondary and fringe pieces.
Notable Players- Christian McCaffrey, D’Onta Foreman & Chuba Hubbard
There is no doubt that when he is fit McCaffrey is one of the best backs in the league. The issue is though, he has struggled to deal with the workload he has been given recently. only able to play 10 games in the last two seasons.
With the injuries that McCaffrey has suffered, it’s likely that the team opt to reduce the work that has been going to McCaffrey, and try and spell him a bit more. It reduces his fantasy production a little, but not a lot considering his importance to the receiving game for the team. You might feel a little concern with the injuries he has suffered, but don’t shy away! I’m still very comfortable taking him at the top of the first round.
However, if you are playing some zero RB, or in a deep league then getting a backup for the team is sensible. If McCaffrey were to go down, you are likely to see a split of work between Foreman and Hubbard. Foreman’s frame allows him to bash through defenders on early downs, with Hubbard is likely to be used on third downs.
Notable Players- D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson & Terrace Marshall
Primary receiver Moore has a freaky similar stat line from each of the past three seasons. Over 1,200 yards and 4 TDs. That is pretty much what you can rely on him for in the offense. The reason being, the QB play has been a limiting force, and that doesn’t look like changing any time soon. As a result, he is stuck where he is as a fantasy asset as a WR2/ 3.
Anderson and Marshall are going to be bit part players in the offense, not because the volume won’t be there, but the offense isn’t of good enough quality to support multiple fantasy assets.
Notable Players- Ian Thomas & Tommy Tremble
The Panthers TE room is just not a viable one for fantasy. The way that the team rotate between the two, and throw rarely to the position.
With Thomas just signing a new three-year deal, and Tremble with draft capital just stay away.
Strength of Schedule
Check out the rest of the draft kit. And, as always, if you want something more specific to your league- reach out! You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Image Credit: Jeremy Brevard – USA TODAY Sports
2022 Carolina Panthers Fantasy Preview
