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Jonathan Stewart posted 15 touches or more for the second straight week placing a firm hold on the lead back role in Carolina. Stewart has shown through the first couple games of the season that he is the back the Panthers prefer when they are trying to establish the run.
Many fantasy owners were worried about Christian McCaffrey taking over the backfield with the recent run of success from rookie running backs but that doesn’t seem to be the case. McCaffrey has earned a role in the offense but they are more gadget and passing down type of plays used to exploit 1v1 match ups.
Fantasy Impact: Stewart has tallied 33 carries for 105 yards through the first two games to lead the Panthers in rushing. A juicy match up against the weak New Orleans Saints defense increases Stewart’s value in Week 3 to RB2/flex status. The veteran has averaged 16 carries for 75 yards and .83 touchdowns in his last six meetings with the Saints and is poised for another big day.
Recommendation: Start