Fantasy football 2018 draft or avoid: Panthers need Cam Newton focused to contend in tough division

Alec Brzezinski

Fantasy football 2018 draft or avoid: Panthers need Cam Newton focused to contend in tough division image

As the 2018 fantasy football draft season approaches, we will showcase a player to draft and a player to avoid from all 32 teams.

The Carolina Panthers returned to the playoffs last year despite ranking just 19th in total offense.

Quarterback Cam Newton was stripped of almost all weapons because of injuries and trades involving his receivers. The Panthers spent a first-round pick on wide receiver D.J. Moore, hoping his speed can help stretch the field.

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Here is a player to draft and one to avoid on the Panthers in fantasy football this season:

Draft:

Christian McCaffrey, RB — The electric scatback amassed nearly 1,100 yards from scrimmage last season with seven touchdowns as a rookie, but some were disappointed because he averaged just 3.7 ypc and 8.1 ypr.

McCaffrey looks set to become an even bigger part of the offense this season with Jonathan Stewart no longer in town. If the former Stanford product can prove his toughness near the goal line, he could be in line for a monster season. He's a first-round pick in ppr leagues, and a third-round pick in standard leagues.

Avoid:

Devin Funchess, WR — While Funchess enjoyed a breakout season last year, hauling in eight touchdown passes, he's not a guarantee to build on or even match those numbers this season. Newton is erratic, making it difficult to trust any Panthers wide receiver.

Moore's presence also dampens Funchess' value because Moore is fast and physical. Funchess could be a solid FLEX option in standard leagues this season, but he isn't an every-week play in any format.

Alec Brzezinski