Jump to content
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

Official Brandon LaFell - I just... LaFell in love.

rizzler

By rizzler,
in The Shark Pool (NFL Talk)

 Share Followers 1

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 503
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Popular Posts

Kenny Powers

Awful.

Wise Old Owl

LaFell will be a WR3 despite a tough matchup with the Broncos in Week 9 He needs to start being taken seriously as a WR3. LaFell has a legit role in the Patriots' offense, but it's not translating to

NCCommish

Rooting for the Jets to save Carolina here.

solorca

solorca 80

Posted
Posted

Good talent, and Cam seems to look for him. The only issue with projecting him as a WR2 or WR3 is that you have Steve Smith as the clear first option, and one of the two tight ends as generally the second option. Olsen and Shockey have both been active in the first two games (more Olsen in the first, Shockey in the second). Lafell will get his opportunities, but remember that the passing game is not likely to be at the same level for the remainder of the year as it has been the past two weeks. With 400+ passing yards, a lot of people are going to get touches...but when the passing game only puts up 250, I don't know that Lafell will still put up startable fantasy stats.

For the record, Lafell was passed on the depth chart by David Gettis last season, and if not for an injury, he probably would still be the third receiver on the team.

I like the guy and think he has WR2 or 3 POTENTIAL, but I think he's more of a long term hold than someone you plug in right away.

Link to post
Share on other sites
rizzler

rizzler 25

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Naanee is the better buy.

Totally disagree. LaFell is the one to own here.More athletic, and has a better rapport with Newton, imo.I think LaFell has much more upside than Naanee. Not even close.
+1. LaFell has looked so smooth. And with Steve Smith getting hot right now, the defensive pressure will be off LaFell even moreso to open the possibility for the big plays4-70/04-49/1Pretty good for the first 2 games.
Link to post
Share on other sites
rizzler

rizzler 25

Posted
  • Author
Posted (edited)

Good talent, and Cam seems to look for him. The only issue with projecting him as a WR2 or WR3 is that you have Steve Smith as the clear first option, and one of the two tight ends as generally the second option. Olsen and Shockey have both been active in the first two games (more Olsen in the first, Shockey in the second). Lafell will get his opportunities, but remember that the passing game is not likely to be at the same level for the remainder of the year as it has been the past two weeks. With 400+ passing yards, a lot of people are going to get touches...but when the passing game only puts up 250, I don't know that Lafell will still put up startable fantasy stats.For the record, Lafell was passed on the depth chart by David Gettis last season, and if not for an injury, he probably would still be the third receiver on the team. I like the guy and think he has WR2 or 3 POTENTIAL, but I think he's more of a long term hold than someone you plug in right away.

I see your point. But LaFell has the exact amount of targets as Olsen (10), and 2 more than Shockey (8). So not exactly accurate.He's also caught 8 of the 10 passes. That won't go unnoticed. Edited by rizzler
Link to post
Share on other sites
werdnoynek

werdnoynek 166

Posted
Posted (edited)

Naanee is the better buy.

have you seen any of their games this season? all naanee does is drop passes... if he does catch them, it's a fluke. he's been targeted 12 times and has "caught" 3 passes. lafell is building a good rapport with cam and cam is looking his way when smitty doesn't have 3 guys around him. outside of cam, smitty, the te's, and the rb's, lafell is the only rosterable player for the panthers... imo. Edited by werdnoynek
Link to post
Share on other sites
werdnoynek

werdnoynek 166

Posted
Posted

LaFell is worth a roster spot but there are a lot of mouths to feed in CAR since they have 2 quality TEs. I may add LaFell to a roster but I hope I do not have to start him. Maybe he will come in handy during bye weeks.

i agree that in redraft leagues, he's not going to put up much and there are better options on the WW currently. in dynasty though he's a good grab now and could make a splash in a year or two.
Link to post
Share on other sites
solorca

solorca 80

Posted
Posted (edited)

Good talent, and Cam seems to look for him. The only issue with projecting him as a WR2 or WR3 is that you have Steve Smith as the clear first option, and one of the two tight ends as generally the second option. Olsen and Shockey have both been active in the first two games (more Olsen in the first, Shockey in the second). Lafell will get his opportunities, but remember that the passing game is not likely to be at the same level for the remainder of the year as it has been the past two weeks. With 400+ passing yards, a lot of people are going to get touches...but when the passing game only puts up 250, I don't know that Lafell will still put up startable fantasy stats.For the record, Lafell was passed on the depth chart by David Gettis last season, and if not for an injury, he probably would still be the third receiver on the team. I like the guy and think he has WR2 or 3 POTENTIAL, but I think he's more of a long term hold than someone you plug in right away.

I see your point. But LaFell has the exact amount of targets as Olsen (10), and 2 more than Shockey (8). So not exactly accurate.He's also caught 8 of the 10 passes. That won't go unnoticed.
When you look at just the numbers, sure. The issue is that in week one, Cam targeted Olsen heavily, while in week two he targeted Shockey heavily (Olsen was blocking most of the game, due to Otah's injury). The point is that one of the two tight ends has been the second option both weeks.I love Lafell and think the improvement over last year is incredible...I just don't know if I would feel comfortable starting him this season unless I was in a 14-16 team league. Edited by solorca
Link to post
Share on other sites
Shutout

Shutout 2,013

Posted
Posted (edited)

It appears that LaFell is coming into his own and pushing Naanee to the side. I would think IF the Panthers continue to feature the pass, then within a month, LaFell is at least a solid flex/WR3 for most larger leagues.

In dynasty I like him a lot more because we have a 2nd year player who does seem to be making progress and the #1 on the team is older and the competition for that spot is sparce. These are the kind of situations that can spawn a very good WR when you have a young QB leaning on a good vet but at the same time growing with another young guy without having other people vying for his attention.

Not saying it will end up with the same success but I liken it to Reggie Wayne/marvin Harrison/ Peyton manning with these young Carolina kids.

Edited by Shutout
Link to post
Share on other sites
loose circuits

loose circuits 47

Posted
Posted (edited)

Naanee is the better buy.

have you seen any of their games this season? all naanee does is drop passes... if he does catch them, it's a fluke. he's been targeted 12 times and has "caught" 3 passes. lafell is building a good rapport with cam and cam is looking his way when smitty doesn't have 3 guys around him. outside of cam, smitty, the te's, and the rb's, lafell is the only rosterable player for the panthers... imo.
I agree, how long before they sit this guy down? Seems like they would have guaranteed his contract though since he's a vet, but he should be cut. Pilares or Edwards could do better in that role or even Ajirotutu. Surely they can't be any worseAs far as Lafell, the light seems to be going on with this kid. Not sure I'd buy in typical redrafts yet but he looks like bargain for anyone in a dynasty that acquired this off-season Edited by loose circuits
Link to post
Share on other sites
FantasyTrader

FantasyTrader 34

Posted
Posted (edited)

Naanee is the better buy.

have you seen any of their games this season? all naanee does is drop passes...
:lol:You mean the ones where he's wide open and Newton misses him? I didn't know those counted as drops.
Naanee also had a brutal 53% catch % last year with Phillip Rivers throwing to him. He's always had suspect hands. Edited by FantasyTrader
Link to post
Share on other sites
gregjcross

gregjcross 0

Posted
Posted

Naanee is the better buy.

have you seen any of their games this season? all naanee does is drop passes... if he does catch them, it's a fluke. he's been targeted 12 times and has "caught" 3 passes. lafell is building a good rapport with cam and cam is looking his way when smitty doesn't have 3 guys around him. outside of cam, smitty, the te's, and the rb's, lafell is the only rosterable player for the panthers... imo.
B. Lafell doesn't have the mentality of a pro = but he has the raw skills and its showing. Reason, (and only reason) that Naenae is on the team is Lafell's immaturity and familiarity that the head coach had with him form his days in San Diego. S.Smith helps Lafell not hurt him.
Link to post
Share on other sites
krsone21

krsone21 366

Posted
Posted

Naanee is the better buy.

Totally disagree. LaFell is the one to own here.More athletic, and has a better rapport with Newton, imo.I think LaFell has much more upside than Naanee. Not even close.
:thumbup: This, LaFell is the one to own, he is making a nice progression from season 1 to season 2.
Link to post
Share on other sites
Ghost Rider

Ghost Rider 6,185

Posted
Posted

S.Smith helps Lafell not hurt him.

Yep. Once teams figure out that Smith is dangerous again because Newton can get him the ball, they will take that away from them, and Carolina's other receivers could benefit. I haven't see them play at all, so I have no idea if LaFell is this good, but I am intrigued.
Link to post
Share on other sites
rizzler

rizzler 25

Posted
  • Author
Posted

This guy was seriously flying under the radar, so I thought Id start a thread.

Ive watched the highlights of game 1, and the entire game 2nd game... and he looked pretty damn good in both. I see his numbers staying fairly stable, if not trending upwards once Smith starts getting doubled again

Link to post
Share on other sites
BassNBrew

BassNBrew 10,514

Posted
Posted

This guy was seriously flying under the radar, so I thought Id start a thread.Ive watched the highlights of game 1, and the entire game 2nd game... and he looked pretty damn good in both. I see his numbers staying fairly stable, if not trending upwards once Smith starts getting doubled again

I've watched both games start to finish and my concern is that he can't get any separation. It's great that he's making the tough catches. I just don't see his targets increasing when most of the time Cam looks for him their is an opponent blocking his view while Olsen/Shockey are running clear.
Link to post
Share on other sites
FDC

FDC 12

Posted
Posted

I'm just speculating here... seems like Naanee is getting more playing time only because he has a better grasp of the playbook. LaFell seems like the better playmaker. Once LaFell becomes more familiar with the system maybe there is decent upside here.

Link to post
Share on other sites
loose circuits

loose circuits 47

Posted
Posted (edited)

I'm just speculating here... seems like Naanee is getting more playing time only because he has a better grasp of the playbook. LaFell seems like the better playmaker. Once LaFell becomes more familiar with the system maybe there is decent upside here.

Did you watch the game? I watched what they showed on RZ channel and Naane was the 3rd WR not LafellIn one league before roster cuts I offered everyone in my league Lafell for their 2012 3rd round dynasty pick and no one bit. I'm now kinda glad that they didn't because i think this guy could be something. Attention is going to be on stopping that run game and Steve Smith with Olsen/Shockey also on DC's mind. Hopefully Lafell can make them pay now Carolina has a passing game Edited by loose circuits
Link to post
Share on other sites
FDC

FDC 12

Posted
Posted

his qb just threw for almost 900 yards and lafell put up nothing great...i'm not buying him right now

8 for 110 and a TD with some amazing grabs. Thats WR3 numbers. Better numbers than Roddy White for example. For dynasty leaguers especially its a situation to watch. Generally though yeah I agree, most are probably higher on him than I am. Pilares is the guy that intrigues me in dynasty on this team.
Link to post
Share on other sites
pollardsvision

pollardsvision 3,010

Posted
Posted (edited)

Yep, I'm buying.

It's the best time to do it, before the numbers make it so that everyone else in your league goes after him too.

As crazy as it may sound, you could make the case that he was better than Smith last Sunday. Smith had a couple of key drops and, of course, essentially gave the game away with the dip#### fumble in what felt like a do-or-die drive.

LaFell made the 2 catches that gave the Panthers a chance in that game. Both incredibly high degree of difficulty. Both must have's.

It makes sense that Cam will start going to LaFell more and more this season. If you wait for it to happen, it very well could be too late.

In dynasty, obviously it would be wise to roster a 24 YO guy who's looking like Cam's go-to guy of the future.

Not that he's a shoe-in for production this season, but players can play their way into more opportunities. LaFell appears to be doing just that.

Edited by pollardsvision
Link to post
Share on other sites
baconisgood

baconisgood 0

Posted
Posted

On the fence.

Going against him- Newton has 83 attempts and LaFell has 10 targets- 1/8.3 attempts is 4 targets a game on an average team most years. His 80% catch rate is unsustainable- more likely in the 60% range for the season which means 2.4 catches a game for an average team with his usage.

Going for him- He isn't even the #2 on the team right now. Nanee only has 3 catches on 12 targets- if he is demoted Lafell could see an increase in targets even as Carolina's passing attempts decline.

Worth a hold in deeper leagues but if he isn't getting on the field more soon I will cut him.

Link to post
Share on other sites
NCCommish

NCCommish 7,522

Posted
Posted

I just picked him up in my dynasty league. He wasn't even on the radar since Carolina's offense has been so bad for so long. I don't see him putting up monster numbers this year, but he definitely has the look of Cam's future #1 WR.

Gettis injury is giving LaFell a shot but if Gettis comes back strong he is more of a number 1.
Link to post
Share on other sites
Kree

Kree 5

Posted
Posted

MIGHT have been the torrential rain that pounded the field for the entire first half.

Or the fact that CAM wasn't happy with 4 ints last week and backed off looking for a guy who can't get separation.
Should have clarified, I was talking about why Newton didn't look great. Still, I reckon LaFell will continue his old routine. Nothing but a tease, and never worth starting, even if he does have an occasional good game.
Link to post
Share on other sites
NCCommish

NCCommish 7,522

Posted
Posted

Newton didn't really look to his wide receivers too much beyond about five yards deep because of the rain. Lafell (and Smith and Newton) will be fine. The rain just screwed things up.

Actually I don't think Jax is being given enough credit. That is a good defense. They played well and didn't make very many mistakes. Add that to Cam being off, way off. And he was off well before the rain really got going. Still I think that makes this win even a better growing experience. They found a way to win on a day where nothing was really working but the defense was keeping them in the game. Cam made plays at the end when he had to. So all in all I'm happy. I do have a concern with the receivers. We are one of the league leaders in drops so far this season. That's not a good stat.
Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
 Share
Followers 1
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    No registered users viewing this page.

×
×
  • Create New...