Raheem Blackshear vs. Mike Boone: Week 17 Fantasy Analysis

As fantasy football managers enter the crucial week 17 of the NFL season, the Carolina Panthers have thrown a curveball by placing star running back Chuba Hubbard on injured reserve due to calf and knee injuries. This unexpected move has left many managers scrambling to fill the void in their lineups, with Raheem Blackshear and Mike Boone now stepping into the spotlight.

Understanding the Situation

Chuba Hubbard was having a breakout season, but his absence opens the door for Blackshear and Boone, both of whom have limited experience and versatility. Here's an analysis of both players ahead of their matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Raheem Blackshear's Potential

Blackshear, 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds, is the younger of the two options, making him a more enticing choice for managers looking to capitalize on Hubbard’s absence. Last season, he demonstrated reliable hands as a receiver, catching six of seven targets on just 30 routes run with Bryce Young under center.

Blackshear is projected to score approximately 9.7 points according to Sportskeeda's Start/Sit Optimizer. His familiarity with the Panthers' system could give him the edge in terms of volume and effectiveness, particularly in a game that might require a passing-heavy script. His college career also showcased his prowess as a receiver, recording a considerable 123 receptions for 1,213 yards and 7 touchdowns over five years at Rutgers and Virginia Tech.

Mike Boone’s Role

Contrarily, Mike Boone’s projections are not as favorable. Estimates suggest he may only reach 4.4 points, which could be concerning for managers needing reliable fantasy contributions. Boone is slightly larger than Blackshear and has experience, but his limited output in previous games suggests he may not be the optimal choice this week unless there are no better options available.

In previous seasons, Boone has shown flashes of potential, but with a lack of guaranteed touches, he seems far less appealing in the current scenario. His main contribution may come from his ability to fulfill a specific role in the game plan, rather than providing substantial fantasy output.

Start/Sit Recommendations

Who Should You Start?

In this matchup, Raheem Blackshear stands out as the more viable option to start in week 17, with projections indicating he will outperform Boone significantly. Here’s a summary of each player’s expected performance:

• Raheem Blackshear: Projected 9.7 points, with potential for higher output due to passing game involvement.
• Mike Boone: Projected only 4.4 points, making him less desirable as a starter.

Given the stakes of a fantasy championship week, opting for Blackshear seems to be the more strategically sound choice, as he offers the potential for better scoring opportunities, especially in PPR formats.

Additional Insights

The Panthers have faced struggles as a team, with their offensive line ranking 22nd in yards gained per carry before first contact, which poses challenges for both running backs. However, Blackshear's performance in the passing game could provide a crucial advantage, especially against a Buccaneers defense that can be vulnerable in that area.

• Fantasy Summary: If you’re considering adding either player to your roster, let the projections guide you. Blocking your opponents from securing valuable players can also factor into your decision-making process. In essence, while neither Blackshear nor Boone is a perfect solution for the loss of Hubbard, Blackshear represents the most reasonable option available this week.

Conclusion

In summary, as fantasy managers prepare for an intense week 17, Raheem Blackshear is the clear choice over Mike Boone. His potential for higher points, especially as a receiver, makes him a better option in the absence of Hubbard. Be proactive by securing Blackshear if he’s still available and keep a close eye on lineup confirmations leading up to game time.

Best of luck in your fantasy endeavors this week as you aim for success in your championship matchups!