Carolina Panthers

Panthers Start or Sit: Week 14

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

This week, the Carolina Panthers hope to rebound as they take on the San Diego Chargers at home…

Last week, the Carolina Panthers were absolutely embarrassed by the Seattle Seahawks in a 40-7 blowout. This Sunday, the Panthers have a home contest against the San Diego Chargers in search of a better result.

While the playoffs are all but statistically out of the question, Carolina still has a lot of pride and job security for which to play. It is a safe bet to assume that the front office will evaluate all positions following the season. Continuing to play the game with passion and commitment will help determine which players remain through the offseason.

Quarterback Cam Newton stated earlier this week that the results this season were “unacceptable” adding, “I’ll be the first one to tell you it is (unacceptable). But you still have guys that are giving unbelievable effort. I’m just trying to be one of those guys.”

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) says a prayer before the start of the game between the Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Unbelievable effort hopefully will result in a better result against San Diego than it did against the Seahawks.

San Diego currently has 16 players on Injured Reserve, including Pro Bowl caliber players’ Brandon Flowers, Jason Verrett, Keenan Allen, and a plethora of other starters. Panthers fans felt their team was stuck by an injury bug, rightfully so, but San Diego provides no comparison. If cleared through the concussion protocol, the Panthers expect to have both Luke Kuechly and Daryl Worley on the field for Sunday’s contest.

San Diego’s defense is respectable ranking 14th in total team yards allowed. However, the Bolts have allowed the eighth most passing yards coupled with 16 rushing touchdowns, tied for second most in the league. In addition, they have given up 17 passing touchdowns but are the NFL leaders in team interceptions with 15 picks to their name.

With Carolina struggling and San Diego extremely limited on the injury front, who is a good bet for fantasy owners to start on Sunday?

START:

Ted Ginn Jr., WR – After finding himself in the sit category many times this season, Ted Ginn Jr. is now a solid Flex option for Sunday’s game. For three straight weeks, Ginn has scored on predominately deep routes that can result in a nice return for fantasy players. Since Week 6, his lowest amount of yards is 40 while averaging about 4 catches per game. For PPR leagues, Ginn’s average week results in approximately nine or ten points.

With San Diego’s injuries and Ginn’s blazing speed, make no mistake that the Carolina Panthers need to dial up a few deep balls his way. Somehow, San Diego will have to find a way to contain Kelvin Benjamin, Greg Olsen, and Ginn with a limited roster, meaning one or two plays will slip through the cracks.

SIT:

CAR Defense – No real surprise at this point, but some fantasy owners believe Kuechly’s possible return will make the Panthers’ defense worthy of starting again. It isn’t.

Oct 10, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Philip Rivers is having another solid year ranking sixth in total passing yards, and running back Melvin Gordon is in the midst of a breakout season, ranking fourth in total rushing yards with 12 total touchdowns. San Diego is a very impressive offensive team, ranking third in offensive points while averaging nearly four touchdowns per game.

Carolina’s defense remains a shell of themselves in comparison to last year. Due mainly to the gaps in talent that were left when several players retired or departed the team. Currently, Carolina has allowed the tenth most total yards to opposition and the fourth most passing yards. Competing against a talented Rivers will leave just about any defense struggling to stay afloat.

With other less challenging opponents facing teams this week, it is safe to say the Carolina Panthers defense can be left in free agency for your fantasy playoffs.