Many fantasy football championships ended in confusion after the Bills/Bengals game on Monday night was canceled due to Damar Hamlin’s awful health event. Fantasy leagues that utilize a Week 18 championship will avoid that headache and have a chance to finish the season on a less controversial note.
At this point, most fantasy lineups have established their best players and are preparing to lock them into their lineups. One of the few places where fantasy managers can get a late edge is by utilizing matchups at the D/ST positions. Week 18 adds a completely different element thanks to teams resting starters and making a last push for draft seeding.
Should fantasy managers start the Panthers’ DST in Week 18? Read below.
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Should I Start the Panthers DST in Week 18?
The Panthers have struggled with consistency on defense this season in fantasy. Carolina is currently DST13 in fantasy points per game, averaging 6.4 fantasy points per game. They have three games with over 10.0 fantasy points, but they also have three games with 2.0 or fewer points.
Carolina has generated 34.0 sacks this season but has generated just 10 interceptions and six fumble recoveries. They also have three defensive or special teams touchdowns this season, which is pumping up their fantasy points but not something fantasy managers can count on.
One of their big games on defense came against Week 18’s opponent the New Orleans Saints. In that game, the Panthers had two interceptions, one sack, one fumble recovery, and a touchdown. The Saints have no reason to rest their starters, but the Panthers have a strong matchup against an underwhelming offense.
The Panthers DST doesn’t possess the massive upside of other matchups on the slate, but they can still have an excellent day against a bad opponent.
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