What to do with D.J. Moore, Curtis Samuel in Week 12 fantasy football

D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel are two of the most talented receivers in the league, but they have Kyle Allen throwing them the ball. That has hurt them across the board, but Allen’s inability to throw deep hurt Samuel more than Moore.

Allen is much more comfortable throwing 5-15 yards downfield, and he has Moore in that range, and Moore happens to be a great player. Samuel will get his shots deep, but not enough, and they are usually off-target. Over the last three games, Samuel has seen an average of seven targets per game while Moore has seen 12. That’s a number you can’t avoid in fantasy, even with Allen as the quarterback.

Samuel has been a touchdown-dependent wide receiver this season for the most part. He hasn’t hit five receptions since Week 3, but he does have two touchdowns in his last three games. Moore has been much more consistent, but hs only scored one touchdown back in Week 3. Thankfully, he’s caught seven or more passes in four of his last five games and topped 95 in each of his previous three. In PPR, those are great numbers.

Fantasy football analysis: Carolina Panthers WRs D.J. Moore, Curtis Samuel

This week the Panthers face the Saints secondary, which ranks 17th in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers. They’ve played better as the season went along, but cornerback Marshon Lattimore has been hurting. He is questionable this week, and if he plays, he will likely shadow D.J. Moore. Moore’s targets should keep him relevant either way, but his upside takes a hit if Lattimore plays.

Samuel is more worrisome based on his low receptions per game. The Saints have allowed three touchdowns to receivers over their last five games, and Samuel needs one to have a worthwhile game. He would also get a slight bump if Lattimore is out, as it pertains to the pass defense as a whole, but remains a boom or bust option.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Start Moore.

Start Samuel as a high-risk WR3/4.