Carolina Panthers

Panthers Start or Sit: Week 5

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

foxsports

With many starters out, what Carolina Panthers should fantasy owners start this week in their lineups?

Monday night features a divisional matchup between the Carolina Panthers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Carolina is coming off of a disappointing road loss against the Atlanta Falcons, while the Bucs most recently were defeated by the reigning Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos.

Injuries are a problem for both teams coming into Monday night’s contest. For Carolina, reigning MVP Cam Newton is out with a concussion while starting corner James Bradberry and starting running back Johnathan Stewart will also be sidelined. On Tampa Bay’s side, stud defensive tackle Gerald McCoy is doubtful along with 1,000-yard rusher Doug Martin. Our colleagues at “The Pewter Plank” have the full breakdown of the Buccaneers injuries.

Statistically, Tampa Bay’s defense is average on all fronts entering Week Five. Tampa Bay ranks 19th in total defensive yards conceded, 18th in passing yards, and 12th in rushing yards. Without starting quarterback Newton, the Panthers will turn to Derek Anderson. Ironically, his last two starts, in 2014, were both victories for Carolina over Tampa Bay.

With many contributors on both sides of the ball out for the Carolina Panthers, here is how fantasy owners should adjust their lineups accordingly for Monday night.

Start:

Greg Olsen- In Anderson’s two starts from 2014, “Ole Reliable” Greg Olsen led the team in receptions and targets both games. Olsen in two Anderson starts put up 18 catches for 193 yards and a touchdown. Anderson is a very competent backup, and knows the Carolina system well. He also will look for short to intermediate routes and that is where Olsen and his set of hands will come into play nicely.

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Olsen this season is well on his way to another 1,000-yard receiving season. Averaging six catches a game and at 335 yards entering play Monday, Olsen will look to have another big game despite starting the backup quarterback.

Sit:

Carolina Team Defense- Carolina’s stout defensive unit has seen better days than their Week Four performance against the Falcons. After giving up 503 passing yards and 571 total yards, the Panthers cut corner Bene Benwikere while shuffling positions by moving Kurt Coleman back to free safety and having newly signed Michael Griffin patrol at strong safety.

The front seven needs to do a better job of pressuring the quarterback, in this case Jameis Winston, into making quick decisions allowing the newly starting Daryl Worley and Zack Sanchez a chance at making plays.

But with a youthful presence in the secondary and the inconsistency of the front seven thus far, it is best if the Carolina defense is not relied on this week in fantasy lineups.