Monday Night Matchups Analysis for Week 8

Players We Love

T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts - The Panthers passing defense has given up the sixth fewest passing yards in the league this season. They are also tied with Denver and St. Louis for the fewest touchdown passes given up by any team in the league. Basically, Josh Norman and the rest of Panthers secondary have been at the bare minimum a top five passing defense. Usually this wouldn't mean well for any receiver but Hilton has proven himself to be different. While many people were assuming his talents and production were based on the greatness of Andrew Luck it has become clear that Hilton is a talent all his own. He's currently on pace for 85 receptions this season (twice had 82 in career) as well as over 1200+ receiving yards and eight scores. These stats put Hilton at elite receiver status and I am beginning to think he deserves to be put in the same stratosphere as all the other undersized special receivers the league currently has. After getting back on the scoring sheet the last two weeks, and showing that even when the offense is struggling he can be a bright spot, Hilton has graduated to an every week WR1. He is good for an average of five receptions and 85 yards every game so far this season as well as over the past two seasons. One day people will be talking about how great Luck made Hilton, but after watching Hasselbeck and the amazing plays T.Y. routinely makes, Hilton could be a five star receiver on any team in this league.

Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers - The Panthers have been committed to Jonathan Stewart which makes him more appealing than anything. In every game but one he has gotten 14+ carries. His total of 103 carries is tied for 8th most in the league, and he's fully healthy and ready to go for Monday Night. The only thing is that all of these opportunities have only led him to being a top 25 RB so far this season in terms of total fantasy points. He is going against a Colts defense that has given up the eighth most rushing yards and sixth most fantasy points this season. Stewart has one of his most favorable matchups this season and is coming off a 125 yard rushing performance last week. While everyone will be focused on the matchup between quarterbacks, the most intriguing matchup will be to see if the Colts can stop the Panthers running game. I don't think the Colts will be able to stop Stewart from having a big night on primetime.

Players We Hate

Colts TEs - The beginning of the year saw many people selecting Dwayne Allen over Coby Fleener as the projected starter at TE for the Colts. Through the season Allen has been often injured resulting in Fleener clearly establishing himself as the main TE. Allen at this point in the season is probably worth dropping while Fleener has become a decent TE2. Both of them are after thoughts in a Colts offense that has problems running the ball and stopping the pass rush. The Panthers are a top 10 team when it comes to stopping opposing TEs and are fully healthy at both their inside linebacker spots. Going forward Fleener should be a more appealing option as a starting TE, but this week is just not a good matchup for him or any other Colts TE.

Frank Gore, RB, Colts - When the Colts have been able to run the ball consistently they haven't been that bad. The only problem is that they are never able to run the ball consistently. Frank Gore has obviously lost a step but still doesn't look completely worthless. The Panthers are above average when it comes to stopping the run and the Colts just aren't committed, or that good, at running the ball. We have no reason to think Gore will do anything special.
Panthers WRs - Between Corey Brown and Ted Ginn Jr. the Panthers just haven't been able to find a consistent threat on the outside. The Colts are a surprisingly stout pass defense having only given up the 10th most passings yards in the league this season. Also surprising is the fact that the Panthers don't need special performances from their receivers to win. In all their wins they haven't had anyone not named Greg Olsen go over the 75 yard receiving mark. If you haven't already punted on the Panthers WRs, this week is one where you definitely should.

Show Me Players

Andrew Luck, QB, Colts - The Panthers have held opposing QBs to the lowest QB rating of any defense this year. Carolina is also tied for giving up the second fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs. Some reports suggest Luck has been playing with fractured ribs, but the simple fact is he is going to be out there. Unfortunately, he just hasn't been worthy of his fantasy draft position or his actual draft position. I expect Luck to show up and show out tonight against a really good Carolina defense. I have no reason for this other than I believe in his overall talent, and in the long run that will win out more than it loses. Even if Luck has another weak effort it shouldn't deter people from him too much because the Panthers defense is genuinely that good.

Cam Newton, QB, Panthers - Newton's fantasy value has always been tied to his ability to run the ball, but more specifically, his ability to run the ball by the goal line. Cam has a rushing touchdown in all but two games this season as the team has been committed to getting him close to 10 rushes per game. As long as Cam is healthy and playing his passing and running game make him a fantasy stud.

Donte Moncrief/Phillip Dorsett, WR, Colts - The Colts have been in a desperate search for a second receiving option this season. Moncrief has surprised many by being able to step up and show skill and ability. The Colts have attempted the seventh most passes in the league this year and both of these guys should continue to see many of those balls come their way. While the pecking order of Moncrief then Dorsett has been established they both are capable of blowing up any night just because of the pure volume of passes the Colts attempt. If anything, it is time to forget about Andre Johnson and Dwayne Allen and just focus on these two young and talented receivers.

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