Who Should I Start? Diontae Johnson or Xavier Legette

Thursday, October 17, 2:19 PM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) is not practicing on Thursday due to an ankle injury. The 28-year-old also missed Wednesday's practice, so his status could legitimately be in doubt for the Week 7 game against the Washington Commanders. Johnson has also been in the middle of trade rumors, so his situation is worth monitoring. The former Pittsburgh Steeler got out to a slow start in his Carolina career, but he has been excellent since Andy Dalton took over the starting quarterback duties from Bryce Young. Johnson has scored at least 19.8 PPR fantasy points in three of his four games with Dalton under center, and the Commanders have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to wideouts. That said, Johnson is a must-start if active. If he's not, rookie Xavier Legette has at least WR3 upside in the favorable matchup.

Monday, October 14, 8:49 AM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette scored for the second time in his career during the 38-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. He finished with four targets, three receptions, 23 yards, and one touchdown. The rookie's fantasy value has increased since Andy Dalton took over at QB and Adam Thielen (hamstring) went out with a hamstring injury. In that span, Legette has received 18 targets and turned them into 12 receptions for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Legette and the Panthers will have to go to the air often next week as they take on the Washington Commanders in Week 7.