The Carolina Panthers have not been one of the more exciting teams to watch in 2024. However, since making the decision to start Andy Dalton over Bryce Young, the offense has at least been more functional. While the Panthers sit at 1-4, they will look to play the upset role on Sunday when they host the Atlanta Falcons who are undefeated in the NFC South.
Heading into their first division game of the season, the Panthers will hope to have their top wide receiver Diontae Johnson available. Johnson ranks eighth in the NFL in targets and is an important player in Dave Canales' offense.
According to ESPN Jeremy Fowler, Diontae Johnson was listed as questionable with an ankle injury but is expected to play. Johnson was a limited participant in practice all week. Johnson has been dealing with an ankle injury for the past two weeks. The wide receiver played in Week 5 against the Bears and will play once again in Week 6 against the Falcons. Johnson had three receptions for 23 yards in last week's loss.
The production may not be there for Johnson right now as the WR25. With that said, he still remains a player that should be a locked starter in fantasy football. The Panthers wide receiver is getting the targets and air yards of a top fantasy wide receiver, but the offense has a whole has been inefficient. Johnson currently ranks eighth in targets and 21st in air yards.
That could turn around this week against a Falcons defense that has been susceptible against the pass. The Falcons defense ranks 22nd in pass defense EPA and success rate. They allowed two touchdowns to Mike Evans last week. The week before, Chris Olave had eight receptions for 87 yards. Even Rashee Rice had 12 receptions for 110 yards and a touchdown against the Falcons secondary with the Chiefs. It's easy to see a path or Johnson to put up big numbers.
The Bears defense has been one of the better secondaries this season. While Johnson was dealing with the ankle injury last week, his 23 yards had more to do with the matchup than being hampered in any way. It should be expected that Dalton and Johnson get back to their Week 3 and 4 numbers in which the Panthers wide receiver had 15 receptions for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
With a better matchup, Johnson has low-end WR1 upside. In Weeks 3 and 4, Johnson was the WR3 behind only Malik Nabers and Jauan Jennings. At the very least he provides a floor as a solid WR2 options in fantasy lineups. This should be a game where Johnson sees a lot of opportunities.