I hope Greg Olsen and the Panthers have a short memory, because if they dwell on the she-lacking from last Sunday by the 49ers, it could be more disappointment vs. Tennessee.

As I mentioned above, Olsen hasn’t really done anything since Week 3 vs. the Cardinals (the best matchup for TEs this season). Since then, he’s hauled in 8-of-15 targets for a blistering 70 yards and no trips to the end zone. To be faaaair, Olsen has had some pretty difficult matchups and is still operating with rookie QB Kyle Allen as opposed to Cam Newton, who remains out this week due to a foot injury. Olsen nearly hit double figures vs. the Bucs in Week 6 (four catches, 52 yards), but dealing with San Fran, Jacksonville and Houston’s defenses in those other three matchups wasn’t easy. But there’s some hope going into this week’s home matchup vs. the Titans.

Fantasy Football Analysis, Carolina Panthers TE Greg Olsen

Let’s look at Olsen a bit before the matchup, shall we? So despite the lack of production, Olsen remains an important part of the Panthers’ offense. He’s played at least 50 snaps in each game this season and really doesn’t have any competition for receptions at his position; no other TE on Carolina’s roster has a reception.

Let’s also consider the Titans have decent cover corners for WRs Curtis Samuel and D.J. Moore in Logan Ryan and Malcolm Butler. Plus, Tennessee has a handful of LBs dealing with injuries — Jayon Brown and Harold Landry III. We know Christian McCaffrey is going to get a ton of carries and looks in the passing game, but this could line up perfectly for Olsen to see a decent amount of targets in the intermediate passing game. The Titans don’t allow a ton of points per game (16.9), but they’ve also faced offenses like the Colts, Jaguars, Browns, Bills, Bucs, Broncos ... teams that don’t have anything close to a CMC.

This should open up things for Olsen, and even if he doesn’t get in the end zone, around 5-6 catches for 60 yards is all we’re really looking for. In shallow PPR leagues, you’re probably OK without Olsen. But in most 12-team formats, Olsen is a decent TE1/FLEX option.

Start/Sit Recommendation

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