Kelvin Benjamin's Fantasy Trade Value, Updated Outlook Heading into Week 8

In a year where rookies like Bishop Sankey and Brandin Cooks have mostly been disappointments, one rookie has made fantasy owners extremely happy.

Kelvin Benjamin has not only been a breakout fantasy star but currently leads the Carolina Panthers in targets. The chemistry with Cam Newton is evident, and he's already become a dependable target down the field and in the end zone.

Coming into the year, Benjamin had to step up even as a rookie. The Panthers cut Steve Smith and needed Benjamin to fill that role—something he has been successful at this year.

Here's a look at his fantasy stats through the first seven weeks of the season compared to Smith's from 2013 and a fellow star rookie, Sammy Watkins:

Player	Kelvin Benjamin	Sammy Watkins	Steve Smith
Rec.	34	35	32
Targets	61	61	55
Rec. Yards	477	433	335
Rec. TDs	5	4	3
Total Fantasy Points (Standard)	77.7	67.3	51.5
Points Per Game (Standard)	11.1	9.61	7.35

Sure, Smith has been resurgent this season with the Baltimore Ravens, but it's clear that Benjamin is more than capable of carrying the load. He also has a much more reliable quarterback in Newton despite his woes in Week 7.

In terms of fellow rookies like Watkins and Cooks, Benjamin has set himself apart thus far. Even with the breakout performance from Watkins in Week 7, the Panthers' official account notes where Benjamin stands:

Those numbers changed slightly by the end of the game, but it's clear Benjamin is already a fantasy star. In fact, Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer points out he is a clear candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year:

That might not mean much for fantasy owners who don't root for the Panthers, but it proves he has plenty of keeper value. He is a clear weapon for Newton and can only develop even further as the No. 1 receiver in the offense.

Rather than looking too far into the future, his outlook for the rest of this season might be even brighter than the start. After facing defenses such as the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals early on this season, the road ahead looks more promising.

Here's a look at the upcoming schedule for the Panthers and fantasy points allowed to wide receivers:

Week	Team	Fantasy Points Allowed (WR)
8	Seattle Seahawks	18.78
9	New Orleans Saints	28.38
10	Philadelphia Eagles	26.52
11	Atlanta Falcons	23.60
12	BYE	N/A
13	Minnesota Vikings	22.09
14	New Orleans Saints	28.38
15	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	30.3
16	Cleveland Browns	23.27
17	Atlanta Falcons	23.60

Benjamin has several matchups that leave the door open to him breaking out even more this season. Expect him to emerge down the stretch as a high-end WR2 candidate and future WR1 in keeper leagues.

Needless to say, hang on to this one.

For those who decide not to hang on to him and sell high, the return should be a WR2 and another position of need at the very least. Players like Mike Wallace and Jeremy Maclin have been steady but don't offer the same future value of Benjamin.

Currently, the Panthers receiver is ranked inside the top 10 prior to his bye in Week 12. As he continues to thrive with Carolina, he has the capability and consistency to help carry fantasy teams this season.

*All fantasy stats courtesy of NFL.com.

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