6 Fantasy Football Splits That Matter for Week 3

Devin Funchess' Additional Opportunity

Don't google Devin Funchess unless you want to be turned on. The 6'4", 238-pound specimen was gifted a 33.5-inch arm length (90th percentile among receivers) and therefore certainly looks the part of a legitimate NFL receiver. Unfortunately, those features only amassed a woeful 10.3% target share on 492 offensive snaps for the Carolina Panthers in 2016. Funchess' 61.1 raw fantasy points in standard leagues were comparable to Marquise Goodwin's and Kendall Wright's by the end of the season.

But Funchess leads all Panthers wideouts (Kelvin Benjamin included) with a 75.5% snap rate so far. That volume has only led to 88 yards on 8 targets, but Greg Olsen's absence makes for an easier path for the former Michigan tight end to be sprinkled with additional looks immediately. Four of his eight targets actually came once Olsen exited with a broken foot (with 12:01 remaining in the second quarter Sunday).

The decision to start Funchess this week ultimately comes down to opportunity and matchup. His snap share and perceived targets are already a plus. As for matchup, it really doesn't get any better. The New Orleans Saints have allowed the highest Success Rate (70.6%) to wide receivers and allowed an average 396.5 passing yards and 11.16 yards per attempt to opposing quarterbacks this season.

Cam Newton has added only 0.11 Passing NEP per drop back to the Panthers' offense, but Sunday has the potential of a dream matchup for the entirety of Carolina's offense. Funchess, of course, is no exception.