Week 15 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Ameer Abdullah plays a supplemental role in this offense, but he could see an uptick in usage with Josh Jacobs expected to miss time with a knee injury. The Chargers rank 20th in aFPA to opposing running backs, so it’s a nice matchup for the veteran complementary back. Still, this offense hasn’t looked great at all this year, and Zamir White is likely to get the bulk of the rushing carries, so look elsewhere.
Week 14 at Los Angeles Rams
Ameer Abdullah was limited to just four yards on one carry and one target last week against the Chargers. He has potential as a pass-catcher in this offense, but his touches have been so sporadic it’s hard to bank on him for production. Sit him.
Week 13 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Ameer Abdullah had three carries and three receptions for a total of 55 yards and a touchdown last week against the Seahawks. It was by far his best game of the season, and he showed he can have some fantasy value if he gets touches. He has upside in a nice matchup against the Chargers’ 31st ranked defense in aFPA to opposing running backs. However, even the six touches he had last week - which was a season-high for him - aren’t enough to make him worth starting in most leagues. Leave him on waivers.
Week 11 at Denver Broncos
Ameer Abdullah is coming off a game with four receptions, but he has only 12 all year for 99 total receiving yards. It’s worth watching to see if Abdullah’s role grows down the stretch, but for now, he should remain on waivers in all but the deepest of PPR formats.
Week 1 at Los Angeles Chargers
Ameer Abdullah actually had some low-end PPR value with the Panthers last year, racking up 49 targets in 11 games after coming over from the Vikings. He’s likely to be the primary kick returner in Las Vegas, but may also get some snaps on passing downs as well. With Josh McDaniels in charge, there could be a “James White” role open for him, and Abdullah has the skill set to play that function.
Abdullah will start the season against the Chargers, who ranked 28th in aFPA to opposing running backs last year. With a potential shootout ahead of them, it’s possible an increase in passing downs helps Abdullah see more snaps – and potentially more targets – but it’s too risky to bank on, especially this early in the season. Take a wait-and-see approach with Abdullah, unless you’re in a return yardage league.
Week 17 at New Orleans Saints
Ameer Abdullah had two carries and three catches for nine yards last week. It was a miserable outing for the Carolina offense, and it’s hard to trust anyone in that backfield right now. In PPR formats, he has some upside given his targets since being elevated to the active roster in Carolina, but this offense is a wreck, and staying away entirely against a tough Saints defense is probably best for everyone involved.
Week 16 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ameer Abdullah found the end zone last week against Buffalo and finished the game with four carries and four catches for 55 yards. He has some upside in PPR formats, since he seems to be taking work away from Chuba Hubbard, but an average of six touches per game over his last three isn’t enticing enough to make him a truly viable fantasy option. He should be considered a desperation option in PPR leagues only.
Week 15 at Buffalo Bills
Ameer Abdullah had 33 yards on four carries and two receptions last week against the Falcons. It’s nice to see him carving a role for himself in this offense, but the Panthers haven’t been much of an offensive powerhouse for much of the season – especially over the second half – making it hard to get excited about their complementary back. If you are desperate and in a PPR format, you could use him as a dart throw in the flex spot, but fantasy managers should look elsewhere if possible.
Week 14 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Ameer Abdullah isn’t lighting the world on fire or anything, but he has some upside in PPR formats. He has 20 targets in five games since arriving in Carolina, and with Christian McCaffrey now shelved for the rest of the season, his role in the passing game could expand significantly.
In a great matchup against the Falcons, who rank 27th in aFPA to opposing running backs, Abdullah is a decent RB3 dart throw in deeper leagues, given his potential targets. He’s risky, but in a nice matchup with a defined role, desperate fantasy managers could do worse.
Week 9 vs. New England Patriots
Ameer Abdullah had eight carries and three catches for 66 yards last week against the Falcons. I wouldn’t expect a lot of that as the season continues, but it was nice to see him get some supplemental work in his new uniform after languishing on special teams in Minnesota. Keep an eye on his role, but he’s not worth rostering just yet, unless it’s as a speculative stash option.
