Occasionally, a great player cannot overcome a difficult matchup. When that happens, fantasy football teams all across the world suffer. So the question then becomes, should you start your stud even when he's facing a touch defense?
No one is asking this question more than Odell Beckham Jr. owners. While last night's impressive seven-catch, 166-yard and two touchdown performance is still fresh in your minds, you may want to look ahead to Week 15. The New York Giants play the Carolina Panthers, which means Beckham is going to be seeing a whole lot of cornerback Josh Norman.
Norman shut down Atlanta Falcons stud Julio Jones twice last year and held him in check for three quarters before some garbage time production this past weekend. Pro Football Focus ranks him as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL this year. As a result, it's understandable if you have some doubts. However, ESPN NFL Insider KC Joyner - who advocates for benching Ben Roethlisberger this week - still thinks you should ride with ODB.
"Odell Beckham is capable of going toe-to-toe with Norman, but with this many potential weak coverage points, the Giants are going to do all they can to get Beckham matched up against other Panthers defenders as well," Joyner wrote. "The combination of these factors will mean Beckham still ends up in the must-start category."
While formidable, the Panthers defense has allowed at least one opposing wide receiver to score at least 10 fantasy points in a handful of recent outings. Since Week 8, eight different receivers have reached double digits. Overall, Carolina has surrendered 20 or more standard fantasy points to opposing wide receivers in four of their past seven games.
Long story short: don't get cute and outthink yourself. Start Beckham.
