The Panthers fell to 0-2 on the season after Thursday night’s 20-14 loss to the Buccaneers.
Here’s what it may mean for fantasy owners going forward:
— Wide receiver Chris Godwin had a much more productive night than Buccaneers teammate Mike Evans. Godwin caught eight of nine passes for 121 yards and a touchdown, which eclipsed Evans’ four catches for 61 yards. One of Evans’ receptions was a catch for 41 yards and he should still be the deep threat in Tampa, though it is looking like Godwin may be the more reliable option moving forward. Godwin could ascend to the low-end WR1 status this season depending on the matchup, especially with Evans drawing heavy coverage from opposing teams’ secondaries.
— After it appeared Ronald Jones II would have the starting role for the Bucs, it was Peyton Barber who dominated touches and targets last night. Barber ended the game with 89 total yards on 23 carries, one reception and one touchdown, while Jones saw only four carries for nine yards. Coach Bruce Arians clearly favors Barber for the time being, and he should ascend to RB3/flex territory. He is owned in only 40% of leagues and could be worth a waiver claim on Tuesday if you need a running back.
— Thursday was proof it may be time to panic about Cam Newton. He had only two rush attempts with zero yards, and completed just 24 of his 50 attempts for 324 yards, no touchdowns and one fumble. Buccaneers OLB Shaquil Barrett sacked Newton three times, and it speaks volumes that the Panthers did not attempt a QB sneak on their final fourth-and-1 play. The Panthers’ offense loses a crucial dimension when Newton’s run option is a non-factor. He should drop into QB2 territory despite a cupcake matchup in Arizona next week.
— Christian McCaffrey was stopped just short of the first down on 4th and 1 from the 2-yard line with 1:28 left in the game. The star running back was held to 53 yards on 16 carries, two receptions and zero touchdowns. Even if Newton is injured, McCaffrey has proven that he can be productive regardless. He was a fantasy workhorse down the stretch last season when Newton was injured, and racked up 209 total yards and two touchdowns in Week 1. He should bounce back in Week 3 against a permeable Cardinals defense.
— Owners have been waiting to see which of the Carolina receivers, if any, would emerge as fantasy-relevant, and those questions were left unanswered. D.J. Moore was the winner in Week 1, but he and Curtis Samuel had very similar targets and production in Week 2. Samuel had 91 yards on five receptions and Moore had 89 yards on nine receptions. Samuel and Moore should both be considered flex options next week against Arizona without owners get further clarity.
— While the Buccaneers were able to quell offensive threats from McCaffrey and Newton, tight end Greg Olsen managed to have a good fantasy outing last evening. He was questionable for the game due to a back injury but had six catches for 110 yards. He maintains his low-end TE1 status and can be started absent better options on your roster.




