Who Should I Start? John Metchie III or Zachariah Branch
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.9 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 1.7 | 16.5 | 0.1 |
John Metchie III News
Saturday, August 22, 3:03 AM
Carolina Panthers wide receiver John Metchie III caught six of seven targets for 77 yards in Friday's 34-17 preseason loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Metchie showed a strong rapport with backup quarterback Kenny Pickett and led the Panthers in targets, catches, and receiving yards. Xavier Legette (ankle) had his ankle "rolled up on" during Wednesday's practice and did not play Friday, opening an opportunity for Metchie. Legette is also dealing with foot soreness and is day-to-day, according to Panthers head coach Dave Canales. Metchie made the most of Legette's absence with a strong showing. However, he did not get any work with the first-team offense and didn't log his first catch until the second half. Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker are the unquestioned starters and top wideouts for the Panthers. With third-round rookie Chris Brazzell (knee) out for the season, Metchie is battling Legette, Jimmy Horn Jr., and David Moore for Carolina's WR3 gig. If Metchie can win Carolina's WR3 role, he becomes a late-round flier in deep leagues and remains a dynasty stash for now.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 1.1 | 12.7 | 0.1 |
Zachariah Branch News
Friday, September 11, 7:05 AM
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Zachariah Branch is not listed as a projected starter on the team's initial depth chart, dropping him off the fantasy radar in most redraft leagues. As a third-round rookie, we shouldn't be completely shocked that Branch won't get the start in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, if there were any receiver room where he could make that leap, this would be the one. There are plenty of targets up for grabs behind No. 1 receiver Drake London. While Branch, a Georgia product, spent this summer competing for that No. 2 role, it ended up going to veteran Olamide Zaccheaus. Meanwhile, Jahan Doston projects as the third receiver on the depth chart, leaving Branch buried all the way down in the No. 4 role. This offense has so much uncertainty at the quarterback position that it's hard to envision Branch getting onto the redraft radar at any point during his rookie season. In the meantime, he's expected to operate as the Falcons' punt returner.
John Metchie III vs. Zachariah Branch
Still trying to decide between Metchie III and Branch? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that John Metchie III is projected to score 3.9 points this week while Zachariah Branch is projected to score 2.8 points.
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