Panthers Quarterback Baker Mayfield was named the week one starter for the Carolina Panthers recently, and will instantly get a crack at his former team in Week 1.
From a fantasy perspective, the move stands to benefit the offense as Sam Darnold has proven he isn’t the best quarterback when it comes to piling up fantasy points. One could make a similar argument for Baker but he at least has a better track record than Sam.
Baker was well on his way to another solid season last year but due to a shoulder dislocation as well as the Odell Beckham JR drama, it was a letdown year. Mayfield really only has stand alone value fantasy-wise in Superflex leagues or if you’re in bye week hell and need a replacement QB in a pinch.
While he could be rostered in 14+ team leagues in addition to the Superflex spot, we’ve essentially seen what his ceiling is at this point of his career. As for 10-12 team leagues, he is no more than a matchup-dependent bye week fill-in. His upside is limited due to his reliance on a good run game to get him going. It’s not inconceivable that Baker Mayfield has a bounce-back year if he stays healthy as he has a lot to prove. He is currently in the last year of his contract looking to earn himself a long term deal in the offseason. And as we saw in college, a motivated Baker with a chip on his shoulder is essentially the best version of Mayfield.
Whether the former Sooner is under center or some guy off the street Christian Mccafrey’s value remains the same. He’s a high upside/high risk play due to his recent injury history over the last two seasons. He’s played in only a combined 10 games over the last two campaigns. When healthy he is no doubt in the overall RB1 conversation, as he averages a whopping 25.1 points per game in PPR leagues. The question is whether or not he can stay on the field in 2022.
As for DJ Moore, he has been one of the most consistent WRs in fantasy over the last few years even with mediocre QB play. He’s had three straight years of over 1,100 yards receiving as well as 4 TD’s in each season. Both of those stats could go up with Baker Mayfield as his new QB. A 1,400 plus yard/6 touchdown season is definitely in play if things go right in Charlotte this year.
Whenever Moore steps on the field has big play potential given how fast he is. Mix that with a QB who loves to take risks and it could be a match made in heaven. His ADP is currently the WR12-13 there’s some great value there if you can nab him in that range. A top 10 fantasy WR finish is definitely possible.
Robbie Anderson had a disappointing year last season. He finished with 53 catches for 519 yards and 5 TDs. This was after a 95 catch, 1,096 yards receiving and three touchdown year the season prior. I’m personally out on Robbie, as I think he has another mediocre year. With sophomore Terrance Marshall getting to know the offensive system and Rashard Higgins coming over from Cleveland I don’t think Baker can help produce two fantasy viable starting WRs.
-Philip O’Brien
Twitter: @bruins4life487
Photo: Erik Drost. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.