Vikings at Panthers: 5 best fantasy options
By John Buhler
2. Greg Olsen
Tight end Greg Olsen’s first touchdown of the 2016 NFL season was an awesome 78-yard bomb from Cam Newton against the 49ers. That was Olsen’s longest career touchdown. Though he’s not going to earn your fantasy team 13 points on just one play this week, Olsen could have a big day in a low-scoring game.
Olsen is only projected to gain 8.4 points in ESPN leagues and just 4.2 points in NFL.com leagues. The Vikings do have a great defense, but Olsen plays the right receiving position to potentially have the best day of any Panthers pass catcher on Sunday: tight end.
Minnesota has an elite defensive line and terrific players in its secondary. The linebacking corps is solid as well, but Olsen’s talent could be problematic for that Minnesota position group.
Olsen is Newton’s safety valve. He is going to lean on Olsen to make at least a few crucial third down catches. If he converts just three first downs for the Panthers on Sunday, he’ll garner your team at least 3.5 points (35 receiving yards).
Where Olsen can really help your fantasy team is in the red zone. Carolina’s rushing attack is again depleted with the always hurt Jonathan Stewart out with a hamstring injury. After a few failed Mike Tolbert fullback runs, Newton is just going to throw the ball in Olsen’s direction to see if he can get the Panthers into the end zone. Olsen should have at least double digits for your fantasy team on Sunday at the tight end/flex position.