The Raiders are brand new in Las Vegas and the Panthers are brand new in Carolina, with franchise icons Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly gone. The future in Carolina may be bright, but I foresee a dull beginning for QB Teddy Bridgewater and rookie head coach Matt Rhule.
Kuechly was not the only notable defensive player to leave the Panthers this offseason, as stud cornerback James Bradberry departed and was not adequately replaced. The strength of this Panthers defense will be their defensive line, but they have a tough matchup against an excellent Raiders offensive line. I expect Derek Carr to have a clean pocket, and time to connect with his wide receivers downfield.
Raiders vs Panthers Analysis
The Raiders rushed the ball for a respectable 108 yards per game in 2019. Look for the Raiders to try and pound the rock as the Panthers allowed an abysmal 143.5 yards per game on the ground, and that was with their future Hall of Fame linebacker still in the middle.
Josh Jacobs is looking to improve upon an impressive rookie season in which he rushed for over 1,100 yards in 13 games. I love his matchup this week for daily fantasy players.