Panthers vs Jaguars – Week 1 Fantasy Football Preview
This Carolina offense leans on Bryce Young improvement and young receivers, while Trevor Lawrence leads a Jaguars team under new coach Liam Coen in what could be one of Week 1’s sneaky shootouts.
Line: Jaguars -3 | Total: 46.5
This matchup projects as one of the higher-scoring games on the slate, with Jacksonville slight home favorites. The Jaguars enter with a revamped scheme under Coen and a wide-open backfield rotation, while also breaking in Travis Hunter as a two-way player and rookie WR Brian Thomas. For Carolina, Tetairoa McMillian and Xavier Legette give Bryce Young fresh weapons, though Jalen Coker (IR) is out of the picture.
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Quarterbacks
Bryce Young, Panthers – Faces a Jaguars defense that was vulnerable against QBs last season. With new playmakers around him, Young is in position to deliver as a QB2 with upside if this turns into the shootout many expect.
Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars – Carolina’s defense was exploitable through the air in 2024, and Lawrence now has Travis Hunter added to his core. He projects firmly as a low-end QB1 with plenty of upside in this spot.
Wide Receivers
Tetairoa McMillian, Panthers – Expected to have a role right away. Was dealing with hamstring injuries this offseason. The matchup leans favorable, giving him WR3/flex appeal in his debut.
Xavier Legette, Panthers – A second-year player who could have a bigger impact than most project. In this matchup, he’s a deep flex with upside.
Brian Thomas, Jaguars – Faces a plus matchup, and his size/speed combo makes him a strong WR1 play.
Travis Hunter, Jaguars – Starting role immediately, though usage remains fluid. Profiles as a WR3/flex flier in his Week 1 debut.
Running Backs
Chuba Hubbard, Panthers – Carolina gets one of the softer RB matchups. Hubbard is in line for steady touches and opens the season as a low-end RB2.
Travis Etienne, Jaguars – Draws a very favorable RB spot, keeping him in the RB2 mix. Remains to be seen what true workload looks like under Coen, but in a plus spot. Would lean Etienne over Bigsby especially in PPR leagues.
Tank Bigsby, Jaguars – Same matchup; if Jacksonville goes committee as expected, Bigsby holds RB3/flex value as a touchdown-dependent play. Derrick Brown missed a big portion of last season, so Carolina should be a little better than last year’s results showed.
Tight Ends
Brenton Strange, Jaguars – In one of the better TE spots, Strange could be a sneaky Week 1 option. He’s a TE2 streamer with upside.