Andy Dalton is here to resuscitate the Panthers’ fantasy outlook

When Andy Dalton galloped onto the scene Sunday to be the hero that saved the Panthers, it felt like a dramatic plot twist. And he displayed a level of heroism often reserved for cinematic icons.

After all, Carolina looked like not just the worst team in the league the first two weeks, it looked like one of the worst we have seen in years, with no hope of improving this season, mired in a quagmire of embarrassment.

Enter a sturdy old Red Rifle. Kick off the dust, and let’s see what the famously average QB can do, right? And he did some things — 319 passing yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions. He is the first QB to hit those marks this season.

Look, those are good numbers, but they aren’t mind-blowing. Their “bigness” is exaggerated by such poor passing game numbers across the league.

The fantasy question is: How reliable will Dalton and the Panthers offense be in the coming weeks? Is he now Captain Carolina? Did he just have his Steve Rogers-esque “Panthers Assemble” moment?

Or … hear us out here … is Dalton merely saving as many as he can, like Jake Gyllenhaal in “Day After Tomorrow” — the closest thing to a savior in a situation that has an unavoidably bleak ending?

Spoiler alert: We think he will be the Panthers version of Ben from “Night of the Living Dead.” Dalton doesn’t have the strength alone to end the broad misery, but perhaps he can ease the suffering of a few of those around him along the way.

First, basically reset the fantasy outlook you have for Panthers players to where they were before the season began. There weren’t high aspirations around any Carolina player, but what little aspirations there were had completely disappeared with Bryce Young at QB.

Remember how wide receiver Diontae Johnson was a solid depth pick in the middle rounds, with hope he could be a surprise regular Flex play? With Young, Johnson went from that level of expectation to a player who was wasting a spot on your fantasy roster.

Well, we’re back to his original outlook. We don’t expect what he did Sunday — 8-for-122 with a TD — to happen every week. But also, that is now possible. And clearly it was impossible with Young.

Dalton’s fantasy impact probably won’t stretch beyond that in the passing game — besides, now Adam Thielen is dealing with a hamstring issue.

Running back Chuba Hubbard could become a thing again. He had 21-for-114 on the ground and 5-for-55 with a score receiving in Week 3 for a huge PPR day. Also, the Panthers played with a lead much of the game (anomaly alert). Hubbard will have some artificially enhanced PPR value going forward because of his role in the passing game, but don’t expect consistent rushing volume, since this team still is going to be behind a lot.

And how will Dalton’s success impact Dalton’s fantasy value? In most leagues, QBs aren’t hard to come by, but Dalton has immediately elevated himself to the tier that includes streaming options — think: Matthew Stafford level. But Dalton’s type of game on this type of team will not produce consistently.

Look how Baker Mayfield and Derek Carr bottomed out this past week. Figure Dalton will have as many games like that as he does ones as productive as Week 3.

All of these adjustments will apply until … Young gets back under center. Yep, we think that will happen eventually. Carolina is going to fall out of playoff contention at some point, and it makes no sense not to play Young once that happens— to determine if he has a future with the team, if he has learned while on the bench, to try to ramp up any potential trade value, etc.

At least in the meantime, there are a few Panthers now worthy of having on your roster, which is a few more than last week.

Like what we saw 

Emanuel Wilson RB, Packers 

Got ample work Sunday to spell starter Josh Jacobs. Volume won’t be this large normally, but Wilson is an ideal handcuff to Jacobs, at least until rookie MarShawn Lloyd returns (Week 7 at earliest). 

Jauan Jennings WR, 49ers 

We told you to pick him up last week, but judging by roster numbers, not enough of you listened. He will be the most popular waiver target this week. He will remain playable until Deebo Samuel returns, and a must-start as long as George Kittle is also out. 

Courtland Sutton WR, Broncos 

Bo Nix looked a lot better in Week 3, and his improvement should lift Sutton back into fantasy relevance. 

Tyler Conkin TE, Jets 

Going 5-for-93 will thrust you toward the top of TE scorers. Fact he also has a solid QB gives him possible staying power. Perfect fill-in for those with Sam LaPorta. 

That didn’t look good 

Tyreek Hill WR, Dolphins 

It was bad enough with Skylar Thompson instead of Tua Tagovailoa at QB. If the Dolphins are dipping to Tim Boyle? If they bring in Ryan Tannehill, we would feel better. Consider Hill only for big-play potential. 

Davante Adams WR, Raiders 

Poor QB play is dragging him down. And volume of targets going elsewhere is troubling. Upcoming matchups (Browns, Broncos, Steelers) aren’t encouraging. 

Betting on the NFL?

DeAndre Hopkins WR, Titans 

Surprisingly productive — 6-for-73 with a TD on Sunday. Don’t forget, he failed to score two — two — the first two weeks. Don’t be fooled. Trade him now. 

Mark Andrews TE, Ravens 

He scored a big fat donut on a measly one target. It is possible he regains his preferred status in the Ravens passing game — just last season he was a monster before injury. But he should be benched until he proves otherwise.