The Carolina Panthers have made a major move, benched quarterback Bryce Young after two games. Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton has been named the starter which could bring upside for fantasy football managers, particularly for Diontae Johnson.
Despite the fact that almost nobody would be aware of it now, Johnson is currently the Panthers’ top wide receiver. Through his history with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he has proven to be a top target earner. Johnson was targeted 169 times in 2021 and received 107 completions with 1,161 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns and on average, received 17.9 fantasy points per game.
Bryce Young, the Panthers’ 2023 first-overall pick, has been atrocious this season, and connecting with his receivers is just the beginning of his woes. Despite being the Heisman winner in college, he’s thrown zero touchdowns and three interceptions so far this year. With a horrible offensive line, I wouldn’t say it’s entirely his fault.
In fact, let’s not forget what the Panthers gave up for the No. 1 overall pick. They gave the Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore, a 2023 first-round pick, a 2023 second-round pick, a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick. All the Panthers received in return was the 2023 No. 1 overall pick where they drafted Bryce Young instead of C.J. Stroud. Once again proving it’s most likely the system and not the player.
Can Andy Dalton Still Play Like He Used To?
Andy Dalton is no longer the quarterback he once was with the Bengals, but the ‘Red Rifle’ did throw 18 touchdowns in 2022 and has some decent weapons around him. We know the offensive line is bad, but if Dalton can get the ball out quickly, they’ll have a chance to balance the offense. His experience and ability to spread the ball around may be exactly what Diontae Johnson needs to shine. Andy Dalton has shown in the past that he’s been able to support multiple wide receivers in an offense. With Johnson’s talent, he could become a reliable option for fantasy managers going forward.
Dalton won’t be able to run like Bryce Young, but it could still become a more balanced offense. Which in turn increases Johnson’s opportunities for big plays. The change in quarterback could help unlock Johnson’s full potential as a WR1, giving fantasy managers a reason to be optimistic about his fantasy future.
If you are looking for a wide receiver with a potential breakout season this year or a wide receiver that is tradable or is in general need of depth, Diontae Johnson might be the perfect player to fill that void.
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