The Panthers open the season Sunday at home against the Raiders in what should be a pretty high scoring game, for a few players anyway. Here’s a rundown of which Panthers I think you should start.
RB Christian McCaffrey
If you were lucky enough to draft C-Mac you play him every week, period. I’ll be watching his touches and the mix between runs and passes. I’m looking for at least 25 total touches minimum which should result in at least 25 points.
WR DJ Moore
Moore is the No. 9 ranked wide receiver for the week so start him with confidence. He will be the best receiver on the field and should see 8-to-10 targets.
Knowing the changes and how it may take time for the new cornerbacks to acclimate, I still feel confident starting Moore as a solid high-end WR2 this week who presents WR1 upside. I wouldn’t play him in cash lineups considering all the changes on his own team and that we haven’t seen how the target share will play out, but he does deserve tournament consideration.
Source: www.fantasypros.com
There are no other Panthers I would start this week, though if I had to pick a player that outperforms his ranking it would be quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. I think Bridgewater will work his way into the top ten quarterbacks but it won’t happen immediately. Since you most likely drafted him late, or you should have anyway, you have a more reliable option available. If you don’t, then feel free to roll the dice on Teddy.
Speaking of rolling the dice, if your league uses a kicker then starting Joey Slye is one way to show your Panthers colors. Kickers are always a crap shoot even with good matchups. I’d rather wait a week to see this new offense before starting Slye.
Forget about tight end Ian Thomas and wide receivers Robby Anderson and Curtis Samuel until we see how the targets and snaps are distributed. Leave the Panthers defense on the waiver wire too until they prove they can stop the run. At best, they might turn into a streaming option down the road.
Thursday Night Football: Texans at Chiefs
What a season opener they have lined up: the NFL champs against the high scoring Texans. Well, they were in 2019 but a lot has changed.
Must starts - Patrick Mahomes, DeShaun Watson, David Johnson, Tyreek Hill, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Travis Kelce and Harrison Butker.
Roll the dice - Will Fuller, Chiefs DST, Brandin Cooks, Sammy Watkins
I like Fuller the most from this list. Someone has to get all those targets that left with DeAndre Hopkins.
Leave the rest on the bench. Cheers and good luck to you.