Wildcard Weekend – Fozzy Whitaker vs. Arizona
Fozzy Whitaker had seven carries last week for 41 yards and has settled nicely into the change of pace role in the Panthers backfield. He got most of his looks against the Falcons however because the Panthers took such a commanding lead early on and the Falcons were never able to recover. Whitaker may get a few looks this week, but he’s most likely not going to put up the kind of fantasy number that will really help owners. There are much better options available this week.
Week 17 – Fozzy Whitaker vs. Atlanta
Fozzy Whitaker had only one carry last week and finished with five yards from scrimmage. Whitaker will continue to back up Jonathan Stewart, but he has less value than an average backup because of the presence of fullback Mike Tolbert getting change of pace carries. Whitaker should remain on waivers.
Week 15 – Fozzy Whitaker vs. Tampa Bay
Fozzy Whitaker got some backup duty against the Saints last week and wound up with three carries for five yards along with a third quarter touchdown reception from 26 yards out. Fozzy will continue to fill in for the injured DeAngelo Williams, but behind Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert in the running game, it’s unlikely that he’ll put up good enough fantasy numbers to warrant adding to a roster.
Week 14 – Fozzy Whitaker vs. New Orleans
Fozzy Whitaker may continue to get some spot duty, but he only had one carry for 16 yards last week against the Vikings and will still be behind Jonathan Stewart each week, even with DeAngelo Williams out. Fantasy owners should leave Whitaker on waivers as long as Stewart or Williams is active.
Week 13 – Fozzy Whitaker vs. Minnesota
Fozzy Whitaker got some spot duty two weeks ago against the Falcons, and ended up with 11 yards on three carries. His role will likely reduce further with the return of Mike Tolbert from injury, and even if Tolbert isn’t immediately a part of the offense, he’ll be hard pressed to gain fantasy value as part of a three or four headed backfield. Leave Fozzy on waivers.
Week 11 – Fozzy Whitaker vs. Atlanta
Fozzy Whitaker had six carries and two receptions last week, but wound up with only 36 yards. He’s behind two other backs on the depth chart and that renders his fantasy value to be minimal for the time being. Until an injury claims one or both of the Panther starters again, Whitaker should remain on waivers.
Week 6 – Fozzy Whitaker vs. Cincinnati
Fozzy Whitaker didn’t end up getting the touches he anticipated against the Bears, and now it seems unlikely he’ll pass Darrin Reaves or Chris Ogbonnaya on the depth chart. Jonathan Stewart could also be back this week. While neither of those players were stunning last week, the Carolina running game has been so bad there’s no reason to expect Whitaker to suddenly step in and become a viable fantasy option. Owners should look elsewhere for an upside guy.
Week 5 – Fozzy Whitaker vs. Chicago
Fozzy Whitaker seems healthy and should get his chance against the Bears this week. The top three backs in Carolina are all injured (though Stewart may play this week), so Whitaker will try to stave off Darrin Reaves as the lead replacement back against the struggling Bears defense.
Whitaker is still not a great option though, and should only be considered a desperation start at this point, even assuming Stewart doesn't play. Fantasy owners will need to hope he stays healthy, gets the most carries, and manages to be productive with those carries behind one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines. That’s a tall order for Fozzy.
Week 4 – Fozzy Whitaker vs. Baltimore
Fozzy Whitaker has been banged up, along with the rest of the Carolina backfield, but he should get a chance to be the primary backup this week against Baltimore with DeAngelo Williams back, but Mike Tolbert and Jonathan Stewart both out. Whitaker may get some change-of-pace touches, but with a bad matchup, unless we find out Williams still isn’t good to go, Whitaker should remain on waivers.
Week 3 – Fozzy Whitaker vs. Pittsburgh
Fozzy Whitaker was in and out of the lineup last week, but ultimately didn’t get any touches, despite DeAngelo Williams sitting out with an injury. Whitaker had a couple nice looks in Cleveland a year ago, but he’s just a depth guy in Carolina. Don’t expect that to suddenly change while Williams and Jonathan Stewart are in the lineup. Leave Fozzy on waivers, no matter how cool his name is.
