Is Andy Dalton The Starter For The Panthers When He Returns? Week 9 Fantasy Football Update

Will Andy Dalton start for the Carolina Panthers when he returns? John Johnson breaks down the Andy Dalton return timeline and fantasy football outlook.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (thumb) missed his first game due to injury in 2024 after he was involved in a car accident -- he was not able to suit up for Week 8 against the Denver Broncos. In his place, second-year QB Bryce Young got the start and looked much improved over his early-season games.

Young threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns, but also tossed two interceptions. He rushed three times for six yards. He hadn't thrown a TD pass this season, and threw three interceptions in his first two games, so he clearly seemed to have progressed in his play.

So will Dalton remain as the starter when he returns from his injury?

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Will Andy Dalton Start For The Panthers When He Returns?

At least initially, it looks like he should. However, he put up by far his worst game of the season in Week 7, when he scored negative fantasy points by completing just 11 of 16 passes for 93 yards, no touchdowns, and two picks, and carrying the ball two times for just three yards.

The top 10 Quarterbacks in check down rate (according to FTN Data) is a wild list:

10. Jordan Love 14.7%
9. Bo Nix 14.7%
8. Joe Burrow 15%
7. Aidan O'Connell 15.3%
6. Joe Flacco 15.4%
5. Andy Dalton 16.2%
4. Kirk Cousins 16.4%
🥉 Justin Fields 17.4%
🥈 Jared Goff 17.6%… pic.twitter.com/5VhW9N87Ir

— Jeremy (@PopesFFH) October 23, 2024

He did this despite checking the ball down quite often, which is interesting. Maybe that's what he should continue to do when running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) returns to play -- Brooks is a fantastic pass-catching running back that should provide an immediate jolt to the offense.

However, Young looking at least somewhat competent throws a wrench into that idea. It's possible Dalton's leash could be pretty short. Then again, it wouldn't make much sense to bench the Red Rifle only to have the second-year man regress back to his old ways. Two TDs to two picks also isn't super inspiring.

Andy Dalton Fantasy Football Outlook

His fantasy ceiling is likely significantly capped by the departure of WR Diontae Johnson, who was traded to the Baltimore Ravens earlier today. Johnson was Dalton's No. 1 receiver by a mile, and now Dalton will have to spread the ball around to inexperienced and often ineffective receivers.

Andy Dalton had every right to be heated with Diontae Johnson for not finishing his route, but his overall effort also looks poor. Forbes had good zone eyes on this play, making it a layup INT for him. pic.twitter.com/IcReS1LCvC

— Jamual (@LetMualTellit) October 21, 2024

It's difficult to trust No. 14 in 1QB leagues from now on. In 2QB leagues, many teams may have no option other than to start him for now, but he could find himself out of the top-24 QB options pretty quickly.

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