Panthers vs. Chargers: Fantasy football projections featuring Cam Newton, Danario Alexander, Steve Smith

The San Diego Chargers host the Carolina Panthers in Week 15. Both teams are basically just playing for pride, but there are still some interesting matchups here for the fantasy semifinals. In order to help you set the optimal playoff lineup, we've got player projections courtesy of numberFire.

Cam Newton has been on fire in recent weeks, throwing for eight touchdowns and zero interceptions in the last four games. He'll look to keep it going against a suspect Chargers defense. Steve Smith should also see some quality fantasy numbers. Brandon LaFell (toe) is questionable and wouldn't be a recommended start anyway.

The run game remains a complete mess. Jonathan Stewart is out with a high ankle sprain, giving DeAngelo Williams the start again. He has done precious little to justify a roster spot in the fantasy playoffs.

Will the Chargers make an improbable late-season run to save Norv Turner's job again? Probably not, but they do have the Panthers, Jets and Raiders to close out the season, so an 8-8 finish isn't out of the question. Philip Rivers would help that if he plays more like he did against Pittsburgh and less like, well, the rest of the season. Danario Alexander remains the only receiver on this team you can start with confidence.

Ronnie Brown is out, so Turner will lean heavily on Ryan Mathews. Mathews has been one of the biggest fantasy disappointments this year and is little more than a RB2/flex play.