The Carolina Panthers are 4-0, though their four wins have come over teams with a combined five wins themselves. That goes a long way toward explaining why Carolina, despite an undefeated record, is a heavy underdog in Week 6 on the road against the 2-3 Seattle Seahawks.
Fantasy football advice, Week 6: Who to start/sit for Panthers vs. Seahawks
Carolina is undefeated, but Seattle still comes into Sunday’s game as the favorite.
The Panthers expect to get wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery back from his ankle injury in Sunday’s game. On the Seattle side, running back Marshawn Lynch is expected to return after missing time with a hamstring issue.
Seattle hosts Carolina Sunday. Gametime is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET. Here’s a look at the fantasy considerations:
PANTHERS
Start ‘em: One way or another, Cam Newton gets his production; even against a strong Seattle defense, he’s a good low-end fantasy starter. ... Greg Olsen hasn’t been the dominant fantasy performer you hoped for (10 total fantasy points outside of a big Week 3), but he’s still a must-start. ... Graham Gano has been a strong kicker, and the Seattle defense could keep Carolina from tallying up many touchdowns. ... The Panthers’ defense has been good, and Seattle’s offense has been below its normal strengths.
Start ‘em?: The only Carolina receiver you can really consider is Ted Ginn Jr., who has put up big numbers most of the year, but in a tough matchup, he’s not a strong option.
Sit ‘em: There hasn’t been a point all this season when Jonathan Stewart has looked like the running back who was so good down the stretch a year ago. ... Behind Ginn, Philly Brown, Devin Funchess and Jerricho Cotchery are all stay-aways.
SEAHAWKS
Start ‘em: It looks like Marshawn Lynch will be back and good to go Sunday for a full workload; he’s a starter. ... Somehow, Seattle just can’t find the right way to use Jimmy Graham. He gets one more week as a more-or-less “must-start.” ... Steven Hauschka has been one of the best kickers in fantasy for a while now. ... The Seahawks’ defense still put up 11 fantasy points last week even as it let Cincinnati mound a big comeback.
Start ‘em?: Only once this season has Russell Wilson put up more than 15 fantasy points in a game. It’s been underwhelming for the quarterback. ... Doug Baldwin isn’t a great fantasy option, but he’ll find the end zone sometimes.
Sit ‘em: The return of Lynch pushes Fred Jackson and Thomas Rawls to fantasy benches.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Cam Newton, Greg Olsen, Graham Gano, Carolina defense, Marshawn Lynch, Jimmy Graham, Steven Hauschka, Seattle defense
Start if you’re desperate: Ted Ginn Jr., Russell Wilson, Doug Baldwin
Bench: Jonathan Stewart, Philly Brown, Devin Funchess, Jerricho Cotchery, Fred Jackson, Thomas Rawls
