Cover Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images


We know how great Cam Newton is. Everyone knows the Panthers lean on Christian McCaffrey in the run game. These two are everything to the Carolina offense. But it's been the return of their veteran tight end that has changed this team in recent weeks.


Greg Olsen came into the year as an injury-prone question mark and has turned the 2018 season into a gentle reminder that he's one of the biggest game-changers at his position.


Since his Week 6 return, the Panthers have morphed from a run-heavy team into one of the league's most pass-happy offenses.

Olsen isn't just helping out fantasy owners; he's bringing up every part of the Panthers' offense. His resurgence gives Newton a safety blanket in the middle of the field while taking eyes off the other options in the passing game. His red-zone numbers are even more helpful, finding the end zone in back-to-back weeks.


Olsen's re-arrival has been huge for other Carolina fantasy options. Since his return, Devin Funchess has looked like a startable wideout again -- with 14 catches for 163 yards and two scores. Even rookie wideout D.J. Moore is starting to thrive, putting up his two best games in terms of yardage with Olsen in the lineup (59 and 90 yards), while adding a season-high five catches during his last game.


The veteran tight end's fantasy impact goes much further than the box score as the entire Panthers' offense benefits with him around.

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