Vikings at Panthers: 5 best fantasy options

By John Buhler | Sep 24, 2016

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 5

Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Sam Bradford

If the Vikings are going to overcome a seven-point spread and win in Charlotte on Sunday to move to 3-0 on the year, starting quarterback Sam Bradford is going to have to play even better than he did on Sunday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers.

Bradford now doesn’t have the luxury of handing the ball off to fellow Oklahoma Sooner Adrian Peterson. While Bradford does have to capable backs in Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon, he’s going to have to make plays with his arm in this game.

With offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s vertical passing scheme, this is a great opportunity for Bradford to rack up some passing yards against a mediocre Panthers secondary. Minnesota does have two strong deep receiving threats in Stefon Diggs and Cordarrelle Patterson for Bradford to sling the ball to.

Minnesota is not going to have an easy time running the football on Sunday. This means Bradford could have to throw the football 45-50 times against the Panthers, especially if the Vikings trail Carolina on the road.

ESPN leagues project Bradford to have only 11.3 points, while NFL.com leagues have Bradford getting 15.94 points. If he doesn’t turn the football over, Bradford should be able to get over 20 points in both leagues. You’re looking at a lot of garbage time passing yards from Bradford, but hey, that’s got to be good for your fantasy team, right?

Home/NFL