Carolina Panthers Depth Chart
- NFC South
- Stadium
- Bank of America Stadium
- Head Coach
- Matt Rhule
- Offensive Coordinator
- Joe Brady
- Defensive Coordinator
- Phil Snow
- Special Teams Coach
- Chase Blackburn
- Defensive Scheme
- 4-3
The Carolina Panthers Defense has ruled out defensive tackle Kawann Short (foot) and rookie defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (concussion) for Week 2 against the Buccaneers. A shaky Panthers defense that allowed over 30 points to the Raiders in Week 1 will be hoping that rookie defensive tackle Derrick Brown can step up against their division rivals on Sunday. Already at the bottom of the pile for fantasy defenses, Carolina should be avoided like the plague this weekend against Tom Brady and the Bucs, who are looking for their first win of the season.
The Carolina Panthers Defense gets a tough matchup against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. Brady was sacked three times and threw two interceptions in Week 1, one of which was returned for a touchdown. Generally, the future Hall of Famer is strong coming off of a loss and he should be able to dissect this defense. This, plus the fact that they have limited turnover/sack potential makes them a defense to avoid in Week 2.
Carolina Panthers kicker Joey Slye gets a tougher matchup in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Carolina put up 30 points against Oakland, granting Slye the opportunity to nail three field-goals and one extra-point. Scoring chances could be more limited against an underrated Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive unit that largely stifled the Saints offense in Week 1. Slye can be used in Week 2, but don't expect the same number of opportunities against Tampa Bay.
Carolina Panthers tight end Ian Thomas gets a good matchup in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay struggled against tight ends in 2019 and allowed five catches for 80 yards to Saints tight end Jared Cook in Week 1. Unfortunately for Thomas, he only saw two targets against a beatable Raiders defense in Week 1 and didn't do much with them. It's certainly possible that Thomas is more involved in the offense and finds the end zone against the Buccaneers, but it's entirely alright if this occurs while he's on the bench or the waiver wire. He'll need to win in this matchup to prove himself for fantasy purposes.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel saw a hefty amount of targets in Week 1 against the Raiders but didn't produce as fantasy managers would have hoped. Samuel saw eight targets, tying with Robby Anderson for second on the team, and also saw a rushing attempt. It's encouraging that Carolina is utilizing him as both a runner and receiver, which could boost his value down the line. Still, it would be better for fantasy managers to leave Samuel on their benches until he puts up a more efficient showing.