The Panthers gave up 16 points and 369 yards during the Week 5 win over the Falcons and play the Bears on Sunday.

Analysis: Carolina had only one takeaway and two sacks, but it was a strong performance as it kept Atlanta out of the endzone following RB Todd Gurley's first quarter score. The Panthers rank tied-sixth in takeaways (eight) but are tied-29th in sacks (five) and struggle mightily against the run (5.4 YPC). The transition from Mitchell Trubisky to Nick Foles at QB doesn't change much for Chicago's outlook as a subpar offense, so the Panthers D/ST is a decent matchup for this week despite its deficiencies.

The Panthers held the Cardinals to 21 points and 262 yards during Week 4 and play the Falcons on Sunday.

Analysis: Arizona averaged 5.6 yards per carry but held QB Kyler Murray to 133 passing yards on 31 attempts. The takeaways were scarce Sunday, but Carolina ranks tied-fifth with seven on the season. The Panthers strong pass defense (6.1 YPA) and weak run defense (5.1 YPC) matches up well against the Falcons, though QB Matt Ryan still has good ball security. The Carolina D/ST is off to a decent start in 2020 and is a middling option for Week 5.

The Panthers allowed 16 points and 436 points during the Week 3 win over the Chargers and play the Cardinals on Sunday.

Analysis: Carolina surrendered 436 yards, but it consistently made plays with two sacks and four takeaways. It was a surprise performance from the group, which entered the contest zero sacks and two takeaways. The Cardinals are coming off a three-giveaway performance last week, so there is some potential for fantasy production in Week 4. However, it's unlikely either team replicates those performances, leaving the Panthers D/ST as a low-tier option.

The Panthers allowed 339 yards and 31 points to the Buccaneers in Week 2 and play the Chargers on Sunday.

Analysis: Carolina forced a pair of turnovers but had zero sacks as Tampa Bay averaged 5.5 YPC on the ground. Rookie QB Justin Herbert made a surprise start in Week 2 for the Chargers and played well, but it remains unclear if he or Tyrod Taylor (chest) will be starting under center this week. Regardless of who's at quarterback for Los Angeles, the Carolina D/ST isn't an attractive option for Week 3.

The Panthers gave up 34 points and 372 yards to the Raiders in Week 1 and play the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Analysis: Carolina had little going for it defensively in the season opener as it had zero sacks or takeaways and allowed 6.1 yards per play. The Buccaneers hardly represent a better matchup in Week 2, so the Panthers D/ST should remain of the fantasy radar this week.

The Panthers will host the Raiders at 1 P.M. ET in the season opener Sunday.

Analysis: The Raiders and QB Derek Carr finished 2019 ranked 11th in total offense (363.7 YPG), 23rd in scoring (19.3 PPG), tied-seventh in giveaways (17) and eighth in sacks (29), while the Panthers struggled defensively outside of sacks (ranked second with 53). Carolina was especially bad against the run (5.2 YPC), which could lead to a big day for RB Josh Jacobs. The Panthers overhauled much of the unit with numerous offseason departures and seven defensive draft picks, which means the Carolina D/ST…read more

The Panthers utilized all seven of their picks in the 2020 draft on defensive players.

Analysis: Carolina had a solid start to the season, but it lost nine of 10 games after the Week 7 bye, allowing 33.7 PPG. The Panthers finished second with 53 sacks, but they had the worst rush defense in the league (5.2 YPC). The retirement of Luke Kuechly leaves the defense completely devoid of playmakers other than DE Brian Burns, who had 7.5 sacks as a rookie. A matchup with the Raiders awaits in the season opener.

The Panthers allowed 324 yards and 38 points to the Colts in Week 16 and play the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: It was an abysmal performance all-around for Carolina, as the offense failed to score a touchdown, the defense didn't have a takeaway and the punt coverage gave up two long touchdowns. The Panthers have basically been in free fall during the second half of the season and have lost their last seven games. Even if New Orleans rests some offensive starters in the regular-season finale -- which coach Sean Payton said won't happen -- the Carolina D/ST isn't worth plugging into a lineup.

The Panthers allowed 428 yards and 30 points to the Seahawks in Week 15 and play the Colts on Sunday.

Analysis: Carolina had two sacks and one takeaway as it continues its downward spiral in the second half of the season. Much like Seattle last week, Indianapolis is coming off a single-digit offensive performance, but Carolina as given up 29-plus points in each of the last five games. The Panthers are tied for the league lead in sacks (49) and are tied-10th in takeaways, but they have provided minimal fantasy value of late.

The Panthers were torched for 461 yards and 40 points during the Week 14 loss to the Falcons and play the Seahawks on Sunday.

Analysis: Carolina appeared primed for some sacks against Atlanta's struggling pass protection, but they had only one sack and zero takeaways and provided zero fantasy value. The Panthers still rank second in sacks (47) and tied-sixth in takeaways (20) in 2019, but their fantasy production has evaporated since their Week 7 bye. The Seahawks managed only six offensive points last week against the Rams, but there's no reason to believe the Panthers can replicate that defensive performance.

Carolina surrendered 362 yards during the Week 13, 29-21 loss to Washington and will play Atlanta on Sunday.

Analysis: The Panthers laid an egg at home against one of the worst offenses in the NFL, which proved to be the final straw for HC Ron Rivera, who was let go. Carolina salvaged some value with five sacks, but it was gashed for 248 rushing yards (8.3 per carry) and had zero takeaways. The Falcons have struggled with consistency all season which has them in the bottom half of the league in giveaways (21) and scoring offense (21.7 PPG). Atlanta has struggled mightily up front over the last two games,…read more

The Panthers surrendered 418 yards and 34 points to the Saints in Week 12 and will play the Redskins on Sunday.

Analysis: The loss puts a cap on a brutal stretch for the Panthers, as the defense has only one takeaway and given up 87 points over the last three games. Carolina still ranks fifth in takeaways (20) and second in sacks (41) but now has the 25th-ranked scoring defense. It's perfect timing for a matchup against the Redskins, which features the worst offense in the league in yardage (253.4 YPG) and scoring (13.1 PPG). Fire up the Carolina D/ST across the board for Week 13.

The Panthers surrendered 349 yards and 29 points to the Falcons in Week 11 and will play the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: The absences of RB Devonta Freeman (foot) and TE Austin Hooper (knee) meant next to nothing in this contest, as Carolina finished minus-four in the turnover battle, though it did have three sacks. The Panthers still rank tied-fourth in the league with 19 takeaways, but they have zero over the past two games and will face a team in the Saints the protects the ball better than any team in the NFL (six giveaways). Owners of the Panthers D/ST would be well advised to check out available streaming…read more

Carolina allowed 388 yards in Sunday's 24-16 loss to Green Bay and will play the Falcons in Week 11.

Analysis: The Packers averaged 6.7 yards per play and were able to move the ball throughout the game, but a goal-line stand heading into halftime helped keep the Panthers close. Carolina had two sacks and zero takeaways, so there wasn't much production on the fantasy side. Atlanta figures to be short-handed this week with Devonta Freeman (foot) and Austin Hooper (knee) both suffering injuries. Carolina still leads the league in sacks (36) and is tied-fourth in takeaways (19), which gives it a solid floor…read more