Both the Carolina Panthers and the Jacksonville Jaguars had losing records in 2014. Of course, the 3-13 Jaguars were relegated to afterthoughts super early in the season, while the 7-8-1 Panthers actually won the NFC South and a first-round playoff game, but still -- losing records. Sunday, they play each other, looking to get on the way toward a winning season.
Fantasy football advice, Week 1: Who to start/sit for Panthers vs. Jaguars
Two teams from opposite South divisions open their season against one another Sunday.
The Panthers suffered their big injury early, losing wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin for the year to a torn ACL early in the preseason. The rest of the team enters Sunday largely healthy. On the Jaguars side, Jacksonville will be without tight end Julius Thomas with a hand injury, and wide receiver Marqise Lee is doubtful with a hamstring.
Carolina will make the 300-some-mile trip to Jacksonville for Sunday’s game, scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
PANTHERS
Start 'em: You're using Jonathan Stewart if you have him, but you're also wary of his injury history behind that offensive line. ... The best offensive skill player the Panthers have is Greg Olsen. ... Jacksonville's offense should be improved this year, but that's still a unit that let opposing fantasy defenses run wild last year.
Start 'em?: With all the problems the Panthers have been dealing with, Cam Newton is a bit of a scary option. On the other hand, he's still Cam Newton, and he still has those legs. ... Graham Gano will likely continue to get plenty of kicking opportunities.
Sit ‘em: The loss of Kelvin Benjamin really ruined the Panthers; Philly Brown and Ted Ginn Jr. just aren’t viable starting receivers.
JAGUARS
Start 'em:Jacksonville had an impressive group of rookie wide receivers last year; Allen Robinson has elevated himself above the others.
Start 'em?: Rookie T.J. Yeldon earned the start at running back. He's only a desperation play until we see something out of him. ... The Jaguars' defense will be improved this year, and faces what should be a reduced Carolina offense.
Sit 'em: Will Blake Bortles be a better quarterback this year? Sure, probably. Does that make him a fantasy consideration? Nooooope. ... Despite a periodically productive 2014, Denard Robinson has been relegated to afterthought status in this offense. ... Allen Hurns is fairly talented, but this isn't an offense likely to support many fantasy contributors. ... With Julius Thomas out, Marcedes Lewis and Clay Harbor will serve as tight ends for Jacksonville, but they aren't fantasy options. ... Josh Scobee was never fantasy-usable for Jacksonville, and Jason Myers likely won't be either.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Jonathan Stewart, Greg Olsen, Allen Robinson
Start if you're desperate: Cam Newton, Graham Gano, T.J. Yeldon, Jacksonville defense
Bench: Philly Brown, Ted Ginn Jr., Blake Bortles, Denard Robinson, Allen Hurns, Marcedes Lewis, Clay Harbor, Jason Myers
