Fantasy Upside
Devin Funchess finally showed signs of being a fantasy stud last year, finishing the season with career-highs in catches, yards, and touchdowns. With the Panthers trading away Kelvin Benjamin during the season, and Greg Olsen missing most of the year with a foot injury, Funchess racked up 113 targets—he caught 63 of those targets for 840 yards and 8 touchdowns. Funchess is only 24 and has the size Cam Newton likes in a go-to target.
Fantasy Downside
Funchess may find it hard to see another 113 targets with Olsen healthy again and first-round pick D.J. Moore entering the lineup. Additionally, the return of Curtis Samuel to the active roster after spending most of his rookie season injured last year could cut into Funchess’ workload. Funchess also looks best suited in a No. 2 WR role on the team, which might be why the team targeted the position early in the draft.
2018 Bottom Line
Funchess should be a borderline WR2/WR3 most weeks throughout the season, making him a solid guy to have on your bench. His size should continue to work to his benefit in the red zone, and it’s possible less attention from opposing defensive backs due to the increased number of weapons in Carolina allows him to more easily replicate his breakout numbers from last year. His eighth-round ADP in 12-team leagues is about right.