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Pressure pushing down on me
Pressing down on you no man ask for
Under pressure …
Across Fantasyland backs are pressed firmly against the wall.
Only one week away from the fantasy playoffs, tension is noticeably high. Owners wallowing in mediocrity over the past 12 weeks are teetering on the brink of elimination. One loss, and the blood, sweat and tears put into this season will be for naught. One win, however, and dreams of tonguing a championship bobblehead in a kiddie pool filled with Dom Perignon could still be realized.
It’s do-or-die time.
Chances are owners who drafted a Carolina running back in August are among the millions frantically making last-stand preparations. Hampered by injuries and ineptitude, DeAngelo Williams, now on IR, and Jonathan Stewart have wreaked havoc on rosters. Unless the afflicted unearthed gold off waivers (e.g. Peyton Hillis) or consummated a tide-shifting deal, the burdensome void created by the tandem has been unbearable. Just to stay competitive, their investors have needed to employ resourceful tactics each week.
Now, during the fantasy season’s most desperate hour, a pair of running Panthers should be trusted once again.
Last week against the surprisingly stiff Cleveland Browns, Stewart, fully recovered from a concussion which cost him two games, and Mike Goodson, who has thrived as an every-down back over the past two weeks, delivered a potent 1-2 punch. The former ripped off a season-best 98 yards on just 12 carries, including a 31-yard fourth quarter scamper. Meanwhile the latter, accounted for a PPR monstrous 136 total yards on 22 touches, eight of which were receptions. He also scored the Panthers’ only offensive touchdown. Due to the gross disparity in yards per carry (Stewart 8.2, Goodson 3.9), some insiders have speculated Stewart will draw the start next week. John Fox, too, hinted that could be a possibility. From the Charlotte Observer:
Getting Stewart back after he missed two weeks with a concussion was a key in a game played near the line of scrimmage, as his physical style was evident on a number of inside-out runs.
"It was good to have Jonathan back out there," Panthers coach John Fox said. "He had a couple of heavy runs and moved behind the pads pretty well. It was good to have that one-two punch out there."
Fox acknowledged he didn't think it was right to take the job away from Goodson, saying: "It's been his ball for the last couple weeks, and I didn't think it was time to take it away from him."
Stewart’s bulldozing, between-the-tackles style is best suited for work on first and second downs. Meanwhile Goodson, a superior receiver, should see extensive action on third down. Because the Carolina front office views the Oregon product as the franchise back of the future – keep in mind DeAngelo will be a free agent at the end of the season – he’ll likely be given every opportunity down the stretch to prove his mettle, labeling him a dependable RB2 in 12-team and deeper leagues when the matchup is favorable.
Week 13 is one such occasion.
The one-win Panthers travel cross country to clash with a Seattle club that’s been ravaged in the trenches. Since the loss of key defensive cog Red Bryant in Week 8, the ‘Hawks have surrendered a very friendly 5.0 yards per carry, 219 total yards per game and seven touchdowns to RBs, equal to the most fantasy points allowed. Their equally deplorable efforts against the pass could also benefit the Panthers’ running game. Yes, even with Jimmy Clausen behind center. If the Carolina offensive line, which appears to have finally gelled, can again execute up front, Stewart could match or possibly exceed his Week 12 output. Goodson, a useful flex option, will likely turn an appreciable profit in PPR formats. Similar numbers Week 15 versus Arizona could also be achieved.
Roughly three weeks ago, no Panther, especially the rushing kind, was employable. However, Stewart and Goodson are in a favorable position to depressurize your playoff situation.
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Image courtesy of Getty
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