49ers at Panthers: 5 best fantasy options
By John Buhler
4. Carolina Panthers defense
Carolina has to still be angry about losing a heartbreaker in Denver last Thursday night. The Panthers do have playmakers on offense, but it will be the defense that will lead the team to an easy victory on Sunday afternoon versus the 49ers.
The Panthers defense is projected to garner 5.0 points on NFL. com and a whopping 10.7 points on ESPN.com. Carolina might give up yards in this game to Kelly’s up-tempo offense, but should have plenty of sacks on 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert looked good on Monday night against the Rams, but has struggled under pressure in his underwhelming NFL career.
Carolina should be able to keep the 49ers out of the end zone better than the Rams defense did last week. San Francisco scored four touchdowns on the Rams. It feels like the Panthers will allow just one paydirt on Sunday to the 49ers.
Dawson field goals might knock the Panthers defense down a few points this week, but sacks and turnovers are the best things going for Carolina on defense this week. Kelly isn’t going to put more on Gabbert’s plate than he can handle, so he’s not likely to throw a ton of interceptions. However, a strip sack of Gabbert and forced fumbles by the Panthers linebacker corps seem probable.
Next: 3. Carlos Hyde