Curtis Samuel

Week 14 vs. Denver Broncos

Curtis Samuel is producing better than the third wide receiver on a moderate offensive team should be. He’s averaging 5.25 targets per game, and he has five touchdowns – including two on the ground. He’s scored double-digit PPR points in five of his last six games, including catching five balls for 72 yards against the Vikings before the bye last week. The Panthers clearly view him as a key part of their passing game.

This week, Samuel faces a Broncos defense that ranks second in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. Even in a bad matchup, Samuel is worth considering as a WR2 option in most leagues with D.J. Moore shelved. Expect an uptick in targets for the playmaking Samuel.

Week 11 vs. Detroit Lions

Curtis Samuel was held to just 12 total yards last week on three receptions and three carries. He was targeted five times, but had a hard time against the stingy Tampa Bay defense. Samuel was coming off four touchdowns in the previous three games though, and it seems like the Panthers are trying to get him the ball more to take advantage of his versatility and playmaking.

This week, Samuel is a WR3 option against the Lions, who rank 15th in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. Watch the status of Teddy Bridgewater, who is dealing with a sprained knee. If Teddy sits, fantasy owners might want to sit Samuel as well.

Week 9 at Kansas City Chiefs

Curtis Samuel had a pair of touchdowns last week against the Falcons, including one rushing, and wound up with 54 yards on four receptions and three carries. Don’t expect multiple touchdowns to be a regular thing, but it was good to see the Panthers getting him the ball regularly. He now has at least seven touches in three straight games, and has two rushing touchdowns in consecutive weeks.

This week, Samuel faces a Chiefs defense that ranks seventh in aFPA to opposing wide receivers. While Samuel is risky as the third – maybe fourth if Christian McCaffrey returns – option in the passing game behind D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson, he has upside in this matchup. If the Chiefs get up early, the Panthers might throw the ball 40-50 times, which should benefit all the receivers. If you’re desperate in a deep league, Samuel has some risky WR3 potential.