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Fantasy Football: 10 things to watch Preseason Week 3

By Zachary Thompson

Aug 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) warms up prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) warms up prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 14, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) runs the ball after a punt during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills in a preseason NFL football game at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) runs the ball after a punt during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills in a preseason NFL football game at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Panthers WR Situation

The Panthers WR situation coming into last season after the departure of Steve Smith was a little bit shaky.  Fortunately for Cam Newton and Cats’ fans Kelvin Benjamin had a huge season and clearly emerged as their go-to option. Unfortunately, that won’t be the case this season after Benjamin tore his ACL and is out for the season.

The loss of Benjamin leaves a huge vacuum of targets from Newton and plenty of opportunity for someone to step up. The most likely candidate is rookie WR Devin Funchess who the Panthers drafted out of Michigan.  Funchess has been dealing with a hamstring issue, though, and has yet to make his preseason debut.  He could take the field this Friday against the Patriots which would be help fantasy owners evaluate whether his rising draft stock is worth paying.

Jarrett Boykin who the Panthers signed this offseason was targeted 12 times in their preseason game against the Dolphins, but it doesn’t look like he’ll be much of a fantasy option after an up-and-down camp.  He could change that with a breakout performance Friday, though.

Ted Ginn is another fringe fantasy option, but he was cut by the Cardinals this offseason and has more of a function in the return game. Jerricho Cotchery and Corey (used to be Philly) Brown have struggled during preseason and are late-round fliers who could emerge either this week or as the season progresses.

No one has clearly stepped up to be the Panthers’ top WR this season which is why this will be another fascinating scenario to watch for fantasy purposes in Preseason week 3.

Next: 2. Falcons RB Battle

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