Carolina Panthers

Panthers Start or Sit: Week 9

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

foxsports

In Week Nine, the Carolina Panthers play in the LA Coliseum for the first time in franchise history…

This week, the Carolina Panthers travel west to the City of Angels. Sunday marks the first game in Panthers history ever played in Los Angeles, against a stumbling Rams team who have lost three straight. For Carolina, last week was a welcome relief in stopping a four game skid and with a win this week, Carolina can begin to claw their way back into the NFC South playoff picture.

Defensively, the Rams are average in most categories ranking 12th in average passing yards against and 15th in average rush yards surrendered. In three of their past five matchups, the Rams have allowed more than 30 points, the largest being 32 against Tampa Bay which actually resulted in a victory.

On the injury front, the Rams look to have most everybody available for Sunday’s contest with the exception of defensive end William Hayes, who did not practice on Wednesday and is questionable with an ankle injury. Michael Brockers and Trumaine Johnson have also found themselves on the injury report, but are probable. For the Panthers, the list is a lot longer with linebacker Shaq Thompson out and key offensive lineman Ryan Kalil questionable. Luke Kuechly also landed on the Panthers injury report with a groin injury on Thursday, but it shouldn’t affect Kuechly’s availability.

Against a struggling Rams squad, what Panthers should fantasy owners start or sit this week?

START:

Jonathan Stewart- In the past two weeks, Jonathan Stewart has rushed for a combined 180 yards and four touchdowns. It took until halfway into the season, but it seems that Stewart is finally beginning to get rolling on a weekly basis. After two days of extra rest during the practice week, Stewart took to the field on Friday and his status for the game is not in question.

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) scores a touchdown as Arizona Cardinals defensive back D.J. Swearinger (36) and defensive end Calais Campbell (93) defend in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

With a banged up Rams defensive line and a back to form Stewart, look for another touchdown or two and another “Carlton” dance celebration.

Kelvin Benjamin- While Kelvin Benjamin only managed two catches last week, he did finish the day with 73 yards. Over the past three games, Benjamin has averaged over 75 yards and around ten targets. With Trumaine Johnson potentially not playing, Benjamin’s assignment would be former Florida State teammate Lamarcus Joyner who stands six inches shorter than Benjamin.

Height differential and explosiveness may be all that is needed for him to have a big day against Los Angeles.

SIT:

Panthers Defense- While the Panthers defense finally came up big against Arizona, fantasy owners need to hold off this week. The Rams’ passing attack isn’t all to formidable, but the rushing game is with Todd Gurley. While the Panthers held David Johnson of the Cardinals to under 30 yards, no consistency has been shown by the Carolina Panthers’ front seven.

Until the defense can show consistently that they can handle their opponent, it is best for fantasy owners to keep them in free agency or on the bench.