From preseason hype, to disappointment, to next preseason hype, to alleged trade bait, to third wheel…Curtis Samuel has done just enough to barely miss fantasy roster consideration.
He’s been the Panthers’ clear WR3, producing 10.2 PPR points-per-game, compared to 15.1 for DJ Moore and 16.6 for Robby Anderson. That is, until week 8.
Samuel posted his first game this season as Carolina’s highest-scoring fantasy receiver, catching 4-of-5 targets for 31 yards and TD. He also had three rushes for 23 yards and another TD, his second rushing score in as many weeks.
His presence in the Panthers offense hasn’t gone unnoticed…
Matt Rhule/Joe Brady are familiar with utilizing an "ATH" due to their college experiences. It is not a coincidence that Curtis Samuel is flourishing in a hybrid role this season with a college coaching staff maximizing his versatile talents as an RB/WR (like he was used at OSU)
— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) October 30, 2020
The Joe Brady experience as Carolina’s OC immediately brought with it the reputation of making defenses gameplan for several rushing/receiving threats on any given play.
“We have to have five guys – and potentially six with the quarterback (run) – that defenses will have to worry about on any given snap,” said Brady in January.
Samuel now has a 20-plus point performance to go along with the WR24 finish in week 7 and it seems he’s starting to flourish in his role.
Can it Continue?
Should we be concerned about Samuel’s rushing usage falling off once Christian McCaffrey returns? Curtis already had all four of his rushing attempts in week 2 versus the Buccaneers before CMC got injured, which tells us it’s a part of the gameplan regardless.
Joe Brady’s tendency to rely only on the offensive line to protect Teddy Bridgewater resulted in the Falcons being able to apply pressure and cap the ceiling of the offense overall in week 8. Teddy was sacked three times and could only muster 176 yards passing against a defense that went into the contest allowing 330.7 passing yards-per-game. It will be worth noting how Brady continues adjusting to the offensive liability that he admittedly created.
For Curtis Samuel, being the WR14 through the last four weeks (with Bucs-Giants yet to play) is enough production to warrant a roster spot, in case you have room for a WR3 with some upside. Chances are he’s available in your league, being rostered in only 20 percent of Yahoo leagues, 37 percent in ESPN, and 4 percent in NFL.com.
Samuel likely gets a bump in The Wolf’s Rest Of Season Big Board And Rankings, but how much? Find out every Monday evening on Facebook, Youtube, or Periscope.
