Week 11 vs. New Orleans
Kelvin Benjamin was targeted 12 times on Sunday against the Chiefs, catching seven passes for 84 yards. He’s been in a bit of a slump lately. While he’s had at least 70 yards in each of the past five games, he hasn’t scored in that time span and has failed to eclipse 100 yards. However, he’s still being targeted consistently and should benefit from some softer matchups on the horizon.
Starting with New Orleans this week, Benjamin should have an easier time scoring. Only the Browns and the 49ers have given up more points per game than the Saints this season and the Panthers should be in for a long day of throwing the ball to keep up with Drew Brees and the high-powered New Orleans offense. Benjamin should be a borderline WR1 this week.
Week 10 vs. Kansas City
Kelvin Benjamin had a modest 76 yards on five receptions last week against the Rams, but he was tied for the team high with seven targets on the game and he has at least seven targets in all but two games this year. He’s also second on the team to only Greg Olsen in red zone targets, converting 44.4% of the red zone passes thrown his way into touchdowns.
This week, Benjamin should find success against a below average Kansas City pass defense that has allowed 15 touchdown passes this season. Expect another full day of work for the giant Florida State product and borderline WR1 fantasy numbers as a result. He should be active in all leagues.
Week 9 vs. Los Angeles
Kelvin Benjamin only had two catches last week against the Cardinals, but luckily he had a 50-yard reception and still ended up with 73 yards on the day. Benjamin was targeted five times, but the team got ahead early and only ended up throwing the ball 27 times all game.
Benjamin should be in for a good game this week. The Rams don’t have as good of a secondary as the Cardinals do, and have allowed 11 passing touchdowns to opposing teams this season. While it’s possible that the Panthers build a sizable lead early again, Benjamin is a great option and a borderline WR1 in most leagues. He should be active this week.
Week 8 vs. Arizona
Kelvin Benjamin had eight catches for 86 yards against the Saints two weeks ago before the bye. He was also targeted a team-high 14 times, and he has at least seven targets in all but one game this season. While he hasn’t scored a touchdown in the last two games, he has four on the season and should be heavily targeted again this week.
Benjamin should get the ball, but while he’s normally a borderline WR1, I’d call him a mid-WR2 this week against a tough Cardinals secondary. Arizona is third in the league allowing only 193 passing yards per game to opposing teams and they’ve only given up five touchdown passes all season. Temper your expectations, but he should still be in your lineup as a WR2.
Week 6 at New Orleans
Kelvin Benjamin had five catches for 70 yards last week against the Bucs. He was also targeted nine times, turning in a pretty decent performance considering the Panthers were playing with their backup QB. Benjamin remains the primary outside receiving target in Carolina, and with Cam Newton likely back this week, his value should continue to be as a borderline WR1 moving forward.
KB has extra value this week going up against a woeful Saints defense that has allowed 301 yards passing per game to opposing offense this year. Even if Anderson were to start again, the matchup makes Benjamin a top fantasy option and he should be started in all formats.
Week 5 vs. Tampa Bay
Kelvin Benjamin had only 39 yards on three catches last week against the Falcons, but he managed to find the end zone and remains an excellent red zone threat with the size advantage he has over most defensive backs. Benjamin now has four touchdowns so far this season and should be counted on as a borderline WR1 moving forward.
He has a great matchup against the Bucs this week, who have allowed the fifth most passing touchdowns to opposing teams this season, averaging 2.25 per game. Even if Derek Anderson ends up getting the start, Benjamin should get enough targets to be a solid fantasy option and he should be active in all league formats.
Week 4 at Atlanta
After a great first two games, Benjamin was held to one target and no catches against the Vikings last week. While alarming for Benjamin owners, QB Cam Newton has stated he won’t let that happen again this week. The Minnesota defense is very good, and the Panthers struggled to move the ball. Benjamin should be fine moving forward as the primary WR for the Panthers.
This week should give him a great chance to rebound. The Falcons just gave up 376 passing yards and three touchdowns to Drew Brees on Monday night, and only Detroit has given up as many touchdown passes as the Atlanta defense so far this year. Expect a nice bounce-back game from Benjamin, and he should be active as a borderline WR1 in all leagues.
Week 3 vs. Minnesota
So much for rust after missing last season. Kelvin Benjamin followed up a solid Week 1 performance with seven catches, 108 yards and two touchdowns against the 49ers last week. He was targeted a team-high nine times and looks like he’s going to continue to be the primary target in the Panthers passing attack.
This week, Benjamin faces a tough defense, as Minnesota has allowed only 6.3 yards per pass attempt through two games and held Aaron Rodgers to only 213 yards, a touchdown and a pick last week. However, Packers top WR Jordy Nelson still managed to gain 73 yards and a touchdown in a Green Bay loss, so Benjamin should still get his looks. He’s a borderline WR1 this week and should be active in all leagues.
Week 2 vs. San Francisco
Kelvin Benjamin had a great first game back after missing all of last season with an injury. He was targeted a team-high 12 times and ended up with six receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown. Cam Newton looked to Benjamin early and often and it seemed like the two picked up right where they left off at the end of the 2014 season.
This week, Benjamin should put up borderline WR1 numbers against the 49ers. The Rams were terrible last week, but Kenny Britt found some space against the San Francisco CBs, and Benjamin shouldn’t have a problem putting up numbers against them. He should be active in all leagues.
Week 1 at Denver
Kelvin Benjamin missed all of last season with a knee injury, so it's easy to forget he caught 73 passes for 1,008 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie in 2014. He’s a big, physical player who can win jump balls and chase after balls that first appear to be overthrown.
Benjamin might take a little bit to get going this year as he tries to return from such a devastating knee injury, but he should remain the WR1 on a Panthers team that badly needs him. That said, he'll be a risky start this week as he's still getting up to speed and will face last year’s top defense in passing yards allowed. While you might not have any other options, this might be a good week to sit Benjamin if you can.
