Carolina Panthers receiver Kelvin Benjamin was diagnosed with a torn ACL in his left knee on Wednesday, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. Benjamin suffered the injury in practice on Wednesday, and his 2015 season is now over.
Kelvin Benjamin tears ACL, fantasy season over, according to report
The Panthers lost their top receiver for the season. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Benjamin was coming into the season as a high-end WR2 in fantasy and anyone who grabbed him in an early draft can make the drop in a redraft format. He will likely be ready for training camp in 2016.
As for the Panthers this season, they're in some serious trouble on the outside. Without Benjamin, they are left with the likes of Devin Funchess likely to lead the charge for targets from Cam Newton. Although, Funchess also tweaked a hamstring on Wednesday. Still, he is still the receiver you'll want to take late in drafts. The No. 41 pick in the 2015 draft is not close to being as talented as Benjamin, but targets are targets. He can be picked up late in any format, but expect his average draft position (ADP) to see a major increase.
As for Cam Newton, his fantasy value looks awful. While the Panthers do have a favorable schedule, the team will likely be leaning more on running back Jonathan Stewart. Fantasy owners can target Stewart more aggressively while Cam is no long a QB1 in 10-team leagues.
