Panthers-Jaguars Capsule
CAROLINA (8-9-1) at JACKSONVILLE (3-13)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox
OPENING LINE - Panthers by 2 1/2
SERIES RECORD - Jaguars lead 3-2
LAST MEETING - Panthers beat Jaguars 16-10, Sept. 26, 2011
AP PRO32 RANKING - Panthers No. 14, Jaguars No. 31
PANTHERS OFFENSE - OVERALL (16), RUSH (7), PASS (19)
PANTHERS DEFENSE - OVERALL (10), RUSH (16), PASS (11)
JAGUARS OFFENSE - OVERALL (31), RUSH (21), PASS (31)
JAGUARS DEFENSE - OVERALL (26), RUSH (27), PASS (22)
STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES - Carolina and Jacksonville played their inaugural game against each other 20 years ago in Hall of Fame game. Panthers won 20-14. ... Panthers have lost five of past six season openers. ... Two-time defending NFC South champions will be without No. 1 WR Kelvin Benjamin, who tore a knee ligament during training camp. ... QB Cam Newton, who signed five-year, $104 million contract that included $60 million guaranteed in offseason, says he feels no extra pressure to produce. ... Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart is healthy and will get majority of carries in eighth season. ... Jaguars have lost six of past eight openers, including three straight. Past two have been in lopsided fashion. ... Jaguars will be without tight end Julius Thomas (hand) for at least first three games. WR Marqise Lee (hamstring) also likely will be sidelined. ... Jacksonville will start season thin along defensive line, with DT Sen'Derrick Marks (knee) and DE Andre Branch (knee) already ruled out for opener. ... S Johnathan Cyprien will play with small cast on right hand as he recovers from broken finger. ... Fantasy watch: Everyone expects big things from Newton and Panthers TE Greg Olsen in this game, but keep an eye on Panthers rookie WR Devin Funchess, Jaguars rookie RB T.J. Yeldon and Jaguars WR Devin Robinson.
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