Devin Funchess

Fantasy Upside

Devin Funchess will get a new chance after four lackluster years with the Panthers. He looked poised for a breakout in 2017 with 63 catches, 840 yards and eight touchdowns, but regressed to 549 yards and four touchdowns last season. Funchess is a big body at 6-foot-4, who should be a red zone target for quarterback Andrew Luck. He’s only 25 years old and could still hit another level of development, particularly in such a productive offense. Only the Steelers attempted more passes than the Colts last season.

Fantasy Downside

Even if Funchess wins the starting job opposite T.Y. Hilton, the Colts will continue to use multiple tight ends in their offense, limiting Funchess’ targets. It’s possible he and the tight ends hurt each other when it comes to fantasy production. Eric Ebron will be competing with him for red zone looks, and Hilton is still going to be the primary option in the passing game. Funchess also may need to beat out rookie speedster Parris Campbell for targets, and Chester Rogers is still lurking around the roster as well.

2019 Bottom Line

Funchess should slide into the second-receiver role easily, and in such a great offense, it gives him WR2 upside. He’s risky, however, with so many other targets available, especially with Hilton there. Hilton has averaged 125 targets per season over his career and he’ll continue to be Luck’s favorite. However, considering all he costs is a late-round pick in most leagues, he’s worth rostering as a potential high-floor possession receiver if he carves out the role expected of him.

Week 11 at Detroit Lions

Devin Funchess had a disappointing game against the Steelers last week in a lopsided defeat, catching only three passes for 32 yards. Funchess has now been held to under 50 yards in three consecutive games and hasn’t scored since October 21st against the Eagles. He continues to be the primary outside option in the Panthers offense, but the bulk of the production in the passing game has been to Greg Olsen and Christian McCaffrey.

This week, Funchess will have a chance to get back on track against a Lions defense that was torched by the Bears last week. The Lions have been above average against the wide receiver position this year, but have given up 19 total touchdown passes, giving Funchess a chance to find the end zone in a must-win game for the Panthers. Funchess isn’t a sure thing, but he’s a steady option as a WR3 in most leagues.

Week 9 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Devin Funchess had his worst game of the season last week against the Ravens. He was targeted a season-low three times and only gained 27 yards on the day. Funchess had been a steady option for fantasy owners the previous few weeks, scoring three touchdowns in four games prior to Sunday’s debacle against Baltimore.

Funchess should rebound against the Buccaneers this week. Only the Saints are allowing more fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers this year, and Funchess should be able to take advantage of mismatches in the red zone. Funchess continues to have a pretty low ceiling in most weeks, but his floor should be high in such a great matchup, giving him solid WR2 potential in most leagues.