Vikings at Panthers: 5 best fantasy options

By John Buhler | Sep 24, 2016

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) tackles Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Panthers Defense

This game features two of the best defenses in football. Newton might be the best player on the field, but this one certainly has a feel of a low-scoring defensive battle. If you have the Panthers defense on your fantasy team, they are a must-play this week. Frankly, they are just about every week.

What makes Carolina’s defense such a solid play this week would be because of the amount of offensive turmoil that has gone on in Eden Prairie this offseason. Not only did the Vikings have to find a replacement at starting quarterback once Teddy Bridgewater was lost for the season, but now Minnesota has to make do without star running back Adrian Peterson.

New Vikings starting quarterback Sam Bradford is a talented football player, but does not have a proven track record in staying healthy as a quarterback. Keep in mind that he plays behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFC that is now without left tackle Matt Kalil. Kalil went on Injured Reserve on Wednesday.

The Vikings do have weapons on the outside and they could exploit the Panthers defense where they are most vulnerable in the secondary. However, this game is going to be decided in the trenches. That heavily favors Carolina, as the Panthers have an elite front seven and a better than average offensive line.

The Carolina defense has a great opportunity to earn more fantasy points than the 7.2 and 6.00 that ESPN and NFL.com leagues are projecting this week. If Minnesota’s defense can earn your fantasy team 10+ points this week, Carolina’s should easily eclipse that point threshold on Sunday.

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