Carolina Panthers

Panthers Start or Sit: Week 3

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

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Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) catches a pass during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

With injuries in the backfield and a strong defense in Minnesota, what Panthers should fantasy owners start on Sunday?

After picking up their first win on the season, the Carolina Panthers remain at Bank of America Stadium to take on the Minnesota Vikings.

Adrian Peterson for the Vikings is out for the majority of the season with a torn meniscus, so newly acquired Sam Bradford will look to lead the offense with current receiving yards leader Stefon Diggs. Watchdog safety Harrison Smith and physical defensive lineman Everson Griffen lead the defense that currently is fourth in the NFL in total yards.

Carolina has now faced two tough defenses already this season, but look for the offense to take what they learned against Denver in the season opener and apply it towards Sunday’s game.

Check out who on the Panthers offense you can feel comfortable rolling out in your fantasy football lineup this week.

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after a touchdown in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

START:

Cam Newton – QB

Head coach Ron Rivera has already ruled out starting running back Johnathan Stewart this week. And while Cameron Artis Payne will officially be the starting running back, look for the mobility and the arm of Cam Newton to shine on Sunday. Last week, Newton gashed the 49ers defense for 390 total offensive yards. While Newton faces a more formidable defensive challenge in Minnesota, the ball will be in his hands in passing and running situations more times than not.

Newton attempted 40 passes last week. And in week 14 of the 2015 campaign against the New York Giants when Stewart was out with injury, Newton attempted 45 passes. Look for the trend to continue, and fantasy numbers to explode this week.

Kelvin Benjamin – WR

Against the 49ers, Benjamin was physical. And if Benjamin can continue to rip down passes from out of the air than he’ll be well on his way to another 1,000 yard season. After week two, Benjamin is first in team targets commanding 21 of 70 total targets.

With other receivers such as Devin Funchess and Ted Ginn Jr. not warmed up, look for Benjamin to contribute large amounts to the passing attack.

Greg Olsen – TE

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) lines up during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

If the quarterback is expected to blow up, than one of his favorite targets should as well. Last week, Greg Olsen had five catches for 122 yards and a touchdown on eight targets.

On the year Olsen has commanded a large portion of targets from quarterback Newton, collecting 17 of 70 which is good for second on the team. Consistency is paying off big time for the veteran tight end, as Olsen ranks first in receiving yards for a tight end through two weeks with 195 yards.

Aug 26, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) tries to bring down Carolina Panthers running back Cameron Artis-Payne (34) at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

SIT:

Cameron Artis-Payne – RB

Inactive Week 2 but now named the starter in Week 3, second year man Cameron Artis-Payne will command the running game from the backfield. Fozzy Whittaker last week stepped in for an injured Stewart and rushed for 100 yards even on 16 carries but appears he will take a secondary role to Artis-Payne.

Rivera spoke on the running game situation earlier this week stating, “I’ve got a tremendous amount of faith in who CAP (Cameron Artis-Paybne) can be for us, and in knowing that you’ve got a good change-of-pace guy in Fozzy (Whittaker) and a guy who can play situational football for you in Mike Tolbert.”

Despite the confidence shown from Rivera, it is not yet known how Artis-Payne will handle a full workload. This uncertainty means you should most likely look for another option for running back this week.

Devin Funchess – WR

For as much praise as the Panthers coaching staff gave Funchess in the preseason, you would have thought he would be a reliable option from the start of the season. Yet, Funchess has yet to prove why you should start him.

Even with the touchdown grab positive last week, there were three missed catches on the sidelines that have to count as negatives. A more reliable option this week is New York Jets’ Quincy Enunwa, who is only owned in 40% of ESPN fantasy leagues and may get extended playing time if Brandon Marshall can’t start.