3 FanDuel Defenses to Target in Week 5

Carolina Panthers

FanDuel Price: $4,400
numberFire Projection: 8.7 FanDuel points

Coming off an early season bye in Week 4, the Carolina Panthers are well rested and ready to wreak havoc against the New York Giants and Eli Manning this week -- a favorable target for defenses.

The Giants have plenty of offensive weapons, but have struggled to move the ball effectively this season. Running back Saquon Barkley is averaging just 65.0 rushing yards per game, while wide receiver Odell Beckham is still looking for his first touchdown. The unit as a whole is scoring 18.3 points per game, the fourth-lowest mark in the league.

Manning -- owner of a career 3.0% interception rate -- has kept the turnovers pretty clean, getting picked once while the team has lost four fumbles. If he keeps taking the beating the offensive line is allowing (15 sacks, fifth-most in the league), don't expect those turnover numbers to stay low, especially against a ball-hawking defense like the Panthers.

Through three games, the Panthers have created six turnovers. Their average of 2.0 per game is the sixth-most in the league. They are giving up just 20.0 points per game, but subtract the 31 they gave up to the high-flying Falcons on the road in Week 2, and Carolina has surrendered only 14.5.

The Panthers come into Week 5 as 7.0-point home favorites over the G-Men, and Vegas also gives New York the third-lowest implied point total of the week (18.75). Our models project Carolina to finish as the top scoring fantasy defense this week and all for a mid-range price.