The buzz around the Carolina Panthers entering the season is that they're in line to fall off from the 12-4 heights of 2013. At the same time, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who started 0-8 before finishing 4-12, are getting a good deal of buzz the opposite direction.
Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 1: Panthers vs. Buccaneers
Two teams possibly going in opposite directions in the NFC South open the season against one another Sunday.
Ezra Shaw
Sunday, at 4:25 p.m. ET in Tampa Bay, the two teams open their seasons against one another, seeking to prove or disprove that buzz. Below is a look at the likely fantasy contributors in the game:
Panthers
Start in every league: Greg Olsen, Defense/special teams
Start if you're desperate: DeAngelo Williams
Other tight ends have much more upside, but Olsen has a high floor, and he’s as reliable as anyone. ... The Panthers’ defense should still be great this season -- I rank them as my No. 1 unit.
Williams could have an opportunity this week, with Newton ailing, to get some touches in close. Stewart and Mike Tolbert will still be heard from, but Williams is at least interesting.
I’m staying far away from Newton this week as he deals with a rib issue. He’s my No. 27 quarterback. ... Stewart appears to be healthy, but he’s still behind Williams in an offense that doesn’t emphasize the running back. ... I don’t think Benjamin and Cotchery are far behind what Carolina had a year ago, but they’re not worth starting as long as the quarterback is banged up. ... The Panthers might struggle to score Sunday, hurting Gano’s chances at accumulating.
Buccaneers
Start in every league: Doug Martin, Defense/special teams
Start if you're desperate: Vincent Jackson
After a disastrous 2013, Martin appears healthy entering the season. Having the Panthers as an opponent hurts, but he’s still an RB2 at worst. ... The Buccaneers’ defense is a good unit, and faces a rough offense. Things are looking good.
Jackson is famous for his wild swings in performance. With a tough opponent, he’s hard to rely on, but he was still a high draft pick.
Getting the Carolina defense in his first game in Tampa Bay is a tall order for McCown, and that’s before considering the fact that he is primed for serious regression. ... Evans is enticing for the season, but he’s not usable yet. ... Seferian-Jenkins and Myers could both have big games at some point this season, but there’s no way to use them yet. ... I had to look up who the Buccaneers’ kicker was to remember Murray’s name. That’s not a good sign.
