DJ Moore, Car, WR (85% started; Yahoo DFS: $25)
Matchup: at Ind
Vegas Line/Total: Ind -7, 46.5
For Moore zealots, Krampus has arrived in the form of Will Grier. Equipped with a heaping bag of coal, an insatiable thirst for schnapps and an abundant array of inaccurate passes, the rookie passer, announced as the starter by Carolina’s interim coaching staff Monday, isn’t scaring anyone. He was a prolific dual-threat during his collegiate days in Morgantown, but netting 6.3 yards per attempt and completing just 55.7% of his attempts on 61 Preseason chucks, he was rough-edged, to say the least. To be fair, weeks of practice reps and observational learning may have smoothed the outer lines, but several unknowns still exist. If blessed with viable alternatives (e.g. A.J. Brown vs. NO, DeVante Parker vs. Cin, or Breshad Perriman at Hou), reducing the concern is advisable.
Despite the upheaval at QB, it’s been a banner sophomore campaign for Moore. The fourth-most targeted wideout in the pro game, he’s finally filled the massive WR1 void left when Steve Smith departed the franchise in 2013. Difficult to wrangle in the open field, the former Terp ranks appreciably in YAC per reception (4.51), total yards after the catch (WR7) and contest catch rate (WR5). Next draft season, he’s easily in the WR top-12 conversation.
Still, this week, Moore could fall flat. Indy is an accommodating pass defense ranking No. 8 in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. The receiver’s projected assignment, Pierre Desir, has also given up a 125.4 passer rating and the third-most yards per snap (2.17) of any DB. But Grier is a hindrance. Putting your faith behind a wildcard QB with bragging rights on the mind is a bold strategy.
Fearless Forecast: 6 receptions, 64 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 9.4 fantasy points