Week 16 vs. Atlanta
Jonathan Stewart had a nice game against Washington last week, putting up 132 yards on 25 carries. He didn’t find the end zone, but the consistent workload he gets week after week makes him a solid, high-floor RB2 option in all league formats.
This week, Stewart faces an Atlanta team that has been better against the run than against the pass, but that’s largely because the Falcon offense forces opposing teams to throw the ball more than run it. Expect Stewart to get another full workload this week and put up solid RB2 numbers. What he lacks in upside, he makes up for in consistency, and fantasy owners looking for a guy that won’t get a goose egg, Stewart is a good option.
Week 15 vs. Washington
Jonathan Stewart only averaged 2.8 yards per carry against San Diego last week, but he wound up with 66 yards and a touchdown with a full workload. Stewart has remained a steady, albeit unspectacular fantasy option throughout most of the season, and it’s good to see him scoring more touchdowns on a team that features Cam Newton at QB. In only 10 games, he already has more touchdowns this season than he has in any other season since 2009.
This week, Stewart has some upside against a Washington run defense that has allowed 17 touchdowns on the ground this year – tied for third most in the league. Washington should be a vulnerable target for a Panthers team trying to finish the season on a strong note, and Stewart should benefit from another full workload. We have him as a RB2 option in most leagues this week and should be a safe start.
Week 14 vs. San Diego
Jonathan Stewart had only 53 yards last week on 11 carries and a reception, but he remains the primary cog in the running game for Carolina. His lack of touches was more a reflection of the score during a blowout than anything else, and Stewart should be back to his usual workload in the coming weeks.
Stewart faces a San Diego team that doesn’t allow a lot of yards to opposing rushers but only Washington and the 49ers have given up more rushing touchdowns this season. Stewart is a risky option because the Panthers have been on a downward trend all season, and because of the injuries on the offense line, but he should still be worth low-end RB2 consideration in large leagues with another full workload likely in store for him.
Week 13 vs. Seattle
Jonathan Stewart had a great game against the Raiders last week with 96 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 17 carries. He has now scored in two straight games and has seven touchdowns in his last six matchups. The Panthers have been guarding Cam Newton a little more in the red zone than in the past, which has led to increase red zone touches for Stewart. He has 28 carries inside the opposing 20-yard line, compared to 13 for Newton.
This week, Stewart faces a Seattle defense that allows only 17 points per game to opposing teams, lowest in the NFL. However, the Seahawks rank right in the middle of the league in both rushing yardage per game and touchdowns allowed to opposing runners. Carolina may struggle in a tough matchup, but Stewart should still be good for his borderline RB2 numbers that owners have become accustomed to.
Week 12 vs. Oakland
Jonathan Stewart had only 31 yards on the ground last week against the Saints, but he had 18 carries and scored a touchdown, salvaging a subpar day rushing. Stewart should continue to get the bulk of the carries in the Carolina backfield, which means he’s a high floor option in most leagues on a week-to-week basis.
This week, he’ll face an Oakland team that is 26th in the league in rushing yards allowed per game and has given up nine touchdowns on the ground this season. The Raiders do have an explosive offense, so it’s possible that Carolina will abandon the run game early, but all signs point to a quality RB2 outing for Stewart.
Week 11 vs. New Orleans
Jonathan Stewart had an off game agains the Chiefs on Sunday, with only 13 carries for 39 yards. He’s had a rough time the last two games against quality defenses, but continues to get the bulk of the carries in the run game and should remain the primary ball carrier in Carolina moving forward, giving him a high floor each week.
He has a great matchup this week against the Saints. While the Saints often force opposing teams to throw the ball and abandon the run, they have allowed 12 rushing touchdowns this season, tied for the fourth most in the league. Stewart should get back on track this week and be a quality RB2 in all league formats.
Week 10 vs. Kansas City
Jonathan Stewart only had 42 yards on 15 carries last week against the Rams, but he got a full workload, which is a good sign for fantasy owners and for Panther fans. He should do better in easier matchups and it’s good to see him getting short yardage work, as he now has 20 red zone carries compared to only 10 for Cam Newton this season.
Stewart should do better this week against Kansas City. While they’ve been stingy allowing only three rushing touchdowns this year, they also allow more yards per carry than any team other than Washington and San Francisco, and have given up 124.5 rushing yards per game this season. Expect another full workload for Stewart, making him a solid RB2 with RB1 upside this week.
Week 9 vs. Los Angeles
Jonathan Stewart had a great game last week against the Cardinals, racking up 95 yards and a pair of touchdowns on the ground. He also had a 25-yard reception, and his 25 carries on the day are a great sign for fantasy owners concerned about workload. Stewart getting goal line touches might also be a good indication for him, as Cam Newton often steals those opportunities away from him.
This week, Stewart faces a slightly above average Rams run defense. The Rams allow 3.9 yards per game on the ground and have given up six rushing touchdowns. Expect the Panthers to lean once again the running game, and for Stewart to wind up with very solid RB2 numbers in all league formats.
Week 8 vs. Arizona
Jonathan Stewart had a nice comeback game against the Saints in Week 6 before the bye, putting up 85 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The best thing to see was his 19 carries, which means he was fully back from an injury that kept him out of much of the first part of the season. Stewart may not get as many short-yardage looks as Cam Newton gets healthier, but he remains a steady RB2 in most leagues.
This week, Stewart faces a Cardinal defense that has done a good job against the pass and keeping opponents out of the end zone, but has been very average against the run. Arizona has allowed 96.6 yards and nearly touchdown per game to opposing runners this year. Expect RB2 numbers from Stewart again, with limited upside but a high floor.
Week 6 at New Orleans
Jonathan Stewart is practicing more this week, so there’s a chance he gets to see some game time. If so, he could be a sneaky RB2 option against a terrible Saints defense. The Saints are tied for the league-worst in rushing touchdowns allowed this season, and Stewart had 113 total yards and a touchdown against them the last time these two teams played. Watch his status going into Sunday, but he has high upside if he starts.
