Doug Baldwin Is Must-Start Wideout for Fantasy Owners Against Carolina Panthers

Combine a streaking player, a recently enhanced role and an incredible matchup, and Doug Baldwin becomes a no-brainer for fantasy owners to start in Week 8.

First things first, the Seattle Seahawks' No. 1 wide receiver is owned in just 49.8 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues. Come on, guys and gals. Seriously? Do half of those things just die after Week 2? 

Days after Seattle traded Percy Harvin to the New York Jets, Baldwin embraced the limelight with seven catches for 123 yards and a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams. The Seahawks may have suffered a shocking second straight loss, but that didn't matter to fantasy players.

Instead, they were happy to see Russell Wilson air it out in the team's first game since jettisoning Harvin. In fact, the quarterback compiled a season-best 313 passing yards on a season-high 36 passing attempts. That bodes well for Baldwin, the reigning champion's undisputed top receiving target.

Baldwin also saw the bright side after the loss, telling The News Tribune's Gregg Bell that he felt a more optimistic vibe than after the defeat to the Dallas Cowboys.

“Offensively, yeah, I think we are a little more positive because we felt like there was some growth in the offense," Baldwin said.

John Froschauer/Associated Press

That progression should continue this Sunday, as the Seahawks couldn't have timed Harvin's departure better from Baldwin's perspective. After a strong matchup against the Rams, he gets another favorable slate against the Carolina Panthers, who have abruptly combusted over the past few weeks.

They have allowed 34.8 points per game during the last five games, plummeting down to No. 22 in passing defense. That mark might not do their futility justice, as they have surrendered a 70.0 percent opposing completion percentage at 7.5 yards allowed per attempt.

They're also a gold mine for opposing wide receivers, who rank second in ESPN's standard scoring with 185 points against them. As noted by The New York Times' Jason Sablich and Justin Sablich, "The Panthers have yielded 15 or more fantasy points to at least one receiver for five consecutive weeks."

Week	Player	Rec.	Tar.	Rec. YDs	TDs
3	Antonio Brown, PIT	10	10	90	2
4	Steve Smith Sr., BAL	7	10	139	2
5	Alshon Jeffery, CHI	6	7	97	1
6	Mohamed Sanu, CIN	10	12	120	1
7	Randall Cobb, GB	6	7	121	1

While many of the players who torched them (Antonio Brown, Steve Smith, Randall Cobb, Alshon Jeffery) operate on a higher level, Mohamed Sanu's success was a great harbinger for Baldwin. In A.J. Green's absence, Sanu chipped in 10 catches, 120 yards and a score during a rare tie.

Like the Cincinnati Bengals receiver, Baldwin has become his team's top target, which gives him ample opportunities to thrive despite playing for a run-heavy squad. Putting up double-digit receptions and/or yards is a legit possibility on Sunday.

In his more comforting slot role, Baldwin will decimate Carolina, who cut Charles Godfrey earlier this week due to his inept coverage.

Daily players should seek out Baldwin's services, as he hasn't cemented a strong enough track record to draw a premium price tag. For standard gamers, find a spot for him in this week's starting lineup, even if it means benching a solid alternative. 

But oh yeah, add him first if he's still available for some reason.