Is Andy Dalton Or Bryce Young The Panthers Starting QB In Week 1? Fantasy Football Outlook

May 15, 2023

Is Andy Dalton or Bryce Young the Panthers starting quarterback when the 2023 season begins? Sam takes a look at the speculation and reports to try and find the answer.

The Carolina Panthers just might be building something special. Like many teams, however, the one key piece they are missing is a star quarterback.

In this year's NFL Draft, the team selected Alabama QB Bryce Young as the first overall pick in the hope that he is that guy.

But does his draft position ensure he will be the team's starting signal caller in Week 1 of 2023? Let's take a look at all the speculation and find an answer.

Who Is The Panthers Starting QB In Week 1?

Being selected first puts mountains of pressure on both the team and the player to meet up to expectations. Does that automatically mean the promising QB is guaranteed the starting job?

The Panthers signed long-time veteran quarterback Andy Dalton this past offseason, giving the team a very comfortable security blanket. Dalton will enter the Panthers OTAs as Carolina's QB1. In fact, GM Scott Fitterer went as far as to claim Dalton will be the team's starter heading into the season up until Young becomes "NFL ready".

Bryce Young enters Panthers OTAs as QB2 behind veteran Andy Daltonhttps://t.co/TGBOS2w6KC pic.twitter.com/ApyYSsBmpy

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) May 15, 2023

While his comments are believable, it's far from guaranteed that will be the case come September. Young could have an outstanding training camp, impress every eye that's on him, and the team could decide the young potential star is ready for prime time.

Does Dalton Or Young Provide Any Fantasy Football Value?

If things remain status quo, don't go planning your draft boards centered around Andy Dalton as your fantasy quarterback. Not only has he rotated teams throughout his career more than a ball on a roulette wheel, but he also hasn't put up statistical numbers that take your breath away. He is a fine late-round selection as a safety net if you have roster space, but he likely will be available via the waiver wire at any point in the season.

If the 21-year-old flamethrower becomes the starter at some point on the other hand, he certainly provides much more upside as a fantasy QB than Dalton. There was a reason he was drafted before anyone else this year, and that's because he's got the skills and makeup to become a superstar.

Selecting Young with a valuable early-round pick in fantasy football this season is unquestionably a major risk, as there's no way to predict what his future holds. Many experts and analysts are concerned about his size, as he stands at a tiny 5' 10'', so seeing over his humongous offensive line could become an issue, and pass deflections could become the norm. My advice is to spend the summer monitoring reports on his progress, and unless he is proclaimed as the next Joe Montana, project Young as a mid-round selection in fantasy drafts this fall.

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