Carolina Panthers

Panthers Start or Sit: Week 8

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

foxsports

On Sunday afternoon, the Carolina Panthers will play host to a dangerous Cardinals team at Bank of America Stadium. What Panthers should get the starting nod in fantasy lineups?

The Carolina Panthers are back at home coming off of the bye week and face the Arizona Cardinals. A statement win and upset could get this Panthers team back on track. A loss and the train may very well be derailed.

If there is ever a time to turn this season around or stop the bleeding, that time is now.

Arizona comes in to Week Eight ranked fifth in total yards against and passing yards against. In addition, their run defense also ranks in the top half of the league, 14th, in yards against. Arizona is coming off of a peculiar game with plenty of missed opportunities against Seattle. That led to a 6-6 finish, the first tie of the season.

So with a formidable opponent, but fresh legs, what Carolina Panthers should fantasy owners look to start on Sunday?

START:

Greg Olsen- What can you say about veteran tight end? Sure, the season isn’t going according to plan, but Olsen is having a season to remember. Currently, Olsen ranks seventh in total receiving yards and the six receivers in front of him all have an extra game to their stats.

Through six games, Olsen has snagged 39 catches for 610 yards and looks to roll on against Arizona. Linebacker Chandler Jones may be the matchup that Olsen is going against, but if Olsen lines up on the outside or in the slot look for one of the Arizona corners to step up and try to cover ‘Old Reliable’.

Oct 10, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) runs onto the field prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. The Bucs defeated the Panthers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Stewart- Two weeks ago, a healthy Jonathan Stewart returned to the backfield for Carolina and ran the ball 19 times for 85 yards and two touchdowns. Now, with a week to heal up again, Stewart looks to return back to his ground and pound ways against an average Cardinals defensive line.

A big concern, however, is if Carolina falls behind quickly they may abandon the run? If they do, it could hamper Stewart’s productivity. But if Carolina can hang with Arizona, look for a big day by number 28.

SIT:

Kelvin Benjamin- While most of the season has been consistent for Kelvin Benjamin, a couple of matchups this year have seen Benjamin very contained. In week three against Minnesota, Benjamin had only one target, but no catch. This week, Benjamin will be tasked with getting around Patrick Peterson, who is one of the most shutdown corners in the NFL.

Obviously, with bye weeks affecting some players in fantasy, Benjamin may be your only starting option available. If owners have to, start Benjamin, as he may have enough catches for a modest amount of yards to not break your lineup. However, if you have other starting options exercise them and leave Benjamin on your bench this weekend.