The Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers both come into their Week 8 Monday night matchup in first place. Of course, the Colts are 3-4 and in first place only by virtue of being in the league’s worst division, while the Panthers are 6-0 and holding off the 6-1 Atlanta Falcons. Still, first place is first place.
Fantasy football advice, Week 8: Who to start-sit for Colts vs. Panthers on Monday night
These two teams are both in first place, which is either neat or an abomination.
The Colts will be without rookie wide receiver Phillip Dorsett Sunday and for the next several games after fracturing his ankle in Week 7. The Panthers come into the game fully healthy from a fantasy perspective.
The Panthers host the Colts Monday, with the game scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
COLTS
Start ‘em: One way or another, Andrew Luck has put up his fantasy numbers the last couple weeks despite losses. He’s still a starter. ... Frank Gore has averaged 11.2 fantasy points since Week 2. He’s not great, but still a fine RB2. ... T.Y. Hilton could draw cornerback Josh Norman Monday, making him dicey and Donte Moncrief more appealing. Still, both should be starters, at flex if nothing else.
Start ‘em?: In the Indianapolis wins, Adam Vinatieri has averaged 9.3 fantasy points. In the losses, 1.3. That’s not so good.
Sit ‘em: There might be some upside for Ahmad Bradshaw going forward, but he’s still seeking his first fantasy point. ... Since his big Week 5, Andre Johnson has gone back to being a disappointment. ... The tight end duo of Dwayne Allen and Coby Fleener isn’t offering much of anything for fantasy. ... The Colts’ defense has 10 fantasy points total since Week 3.
PANTHERS
Start ‘em: Week 7 wasn’t great, with his interceptions, but Cam Newton is still an easy fantasy starter. ... The Colts give up a lot to opposing running backs, making Jonathan Stewart a good fantasy play. ... Greg Olsen has been up and down, but his highs are so high that he’s still an easy fantasy starter. ... The Panthers’ defense should be able to force enough turnovers Monday to stay in lineups.
Start ‘em?: The Carolina offense has been just good enough to keep Graham Gano kicking productively.
Sit ‘em: Whatever, maybe Ted Ginn is a good fantasy option, but then you have to worry about Vontae Davis. Best to avoid him, Philly Brown, Devin Funchess and Jerricho Cotchery altogether.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Andrew Luck, Frank Gore, T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief, Cam Newton, Jonathan Stewart, Greg Olsen, Carolina defense
Start if you’re desperate: Adam Vinatieri, Graham Gano
Bench: Ahmad Bradshaw, Andre Johnson, Dwayne Allen, Coby Fleener, Indianapolis defense, Ted GInn, Philly Brown, Devin Funchess, Jerricho Cotchery
