Fantasy football advice, Week 15: Who to start/sit for Carolina Panthers vs. Washington

With only four teams remaining in each fantasy league across the board, it’s not exactly a news flash to say that fantasy owners have to be at the top of their game. Several factors present themselves for the matchup between the Panthers and Washington on Monday, and fantasy owners will absolutely have to examine them closely to get the upper hand on their opponent. Let’s take a look:

Cam Newton has somehow completed fewer than 50 percent of his passes in four straight games, lending credence to the fact that his shoulder injury may be more severe than thought. Despite his struggles, he faces a Washington defense that cannot get off the field on third down and allowed Carson Wentz to dink and dunk on them all afternoon in Week 14. Newton remains a high upside QB1, but one with his fair share of usual risks. Greg Olsen can also be started as a TE1 with Washington allowing 10 catches to Zach Ertz in its most recent matchup.

Jonathan Stewart can also have a spot in fantasy lineups, though fantasy owners know his deal as a touchdown-or-bust RB2. But against a Washington defense that has surrendered 18 touchdowns on the ground, odds are in Stewart’s favor.

Kelvin Benjamin, who could be in for the Josh Norman treatment, would be better off on benches along with Ted Ginn and Devin Funchess.

Kirk Cousins continues to be lights out, and the fantasy No. 4 quarterback draws a matchup with the NFL’s 30th-ranked pass defense. The plus matchup at hand propels Jamison Crowder and DeSean Jackson into starting consideration, especially with Jordan Reed’s health being a question mark.

Reed played just 10 snaps in Week 14, and despite his week of limited participation in practice, he will be difficult to trust as a TE1. This rings especially true with Luke Kuechly back in action. Reed has the talent to succeed in even the toughest of matchups, but with his health potentially at far less than 100 percent, his lingering shoulder injury makes him an extremely risky TE1. Kuechly’s presence also puts a damper on the prospects of Robert Kelley, who garners heavy usage, but could potentially run into several brick walls throughout the evening.

Pierre Garcon, Vernon Davis and Chris Thompson would make for risky options with so many mouths to feed in Washington’s potent offense.