Carolina rode a second-half surge to stun Miami 27-24 in Week 5, riding a ground-heavy attack and a sharp late rally. Bryce Young shook off early mistakes to finish 19 of 30 for 198 yards and two touchdowns, the second of which sealed it to Mitchell Evans. Rico Dowdle exploded for a career-best 206 rushing yards and a TD on 23 carries, while the 2025 draft class chipped in with McMillan leading with 73 receiving yards. Carolina’s defense bottled up De'Von Achane and Ollie Gordon II to 14 rushing yards on 13 carries, with Rozeboom and Moehrig piling up tackles. Miami’s Jaylen Waddle totaled 110 receiving yards and Minkah Fitzpatrick added an early pick on Young. The Panthers showed resilience and depth that could reshape their fantasy upside as they eye a favorable slate ahead.

Bryce Young faces Week 1 against a Jaguars defense that allowed the most passing yards last season, setting a stern early test for the Carolina signal-caller. The Cali Connection with Tetairoa McMillan could unlock quick completion rhythm, while Jacksonville counters with a rookie cast led by Travis Hunter and an established run game. Carolina’s improved interior with Derrick Brown and Tershawn Wharton aims to slow the Jag run, making this a pivotal opener for the Panthers’ rebuild.

Key fantasy angles lean on Young’s rushing floor and McMillan’s rookie ascent, while the Jaguars rely on Etienne, Tank Bigsby, and the versatile Hunter to spark a Week 1 offense. If Carolina can slow the run and force Young to win through the air, this game could tilt toward the Panthers’ young core or the Jaguars’ weaponry becoming a Week 1 breakout narrative.

Carolina rebuilt a stout defensive front with Derrick Brown and added two young pass-rushers, plus Tre'Von Moehrig and Lathan Ransom at safety. Yet as Week 1 vs Jacksonville looms, Nick Scott is still highlighted as the weak link in the back end, and the defense faces holes at middle linebacker and on the edge. Despite pursuing proven safeties and adding talent, the Panthers’ improvement hinges on rookies growing into roles and better overall coverage from the secondary.

Analysts warn that if the Jaguars put up 25+ in Week 1, Carolina’s remaining holes will be exposed quickly. Fantasy managers should monitor Moehrig and Ransom’s development and any early snap counts for the rookie safety, while edge options and the run-stopping front continue to shape up as the unit’s fantasy upside.

The Dallas Cowboys jump into the 2025 season with a Week 1 clash against the defending champs, the Philadelphia Eagles. The unofficial depth chart puts Dante Fowler Jr. and Sam Williams as starters at defensive end, with Kenny Clark beside Osa Odighizuwa for a notable front. Dallas’ WR corps is thin at four, signaling possible midweek churn, while Miles Sanders edges rookie Jaydon Blue for the RB2 role. Trevon Diggs is listed as a starter at corner, though health remains a live question. For fantasy bettors, early workload signals, injury risk, and opponent strength will drive Week 1 rosters and daily moves.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia counters with a high-octane pass game featuring Hurts, Brown, and Smith, plus veteran staples on the line like Lane Johnson and Brandon Graham. The matchups on defense—especially the Eagles’ interior against Dallas’ run plan—will shape early-season projections. Keep a close eye on who survives the first practice week and who rises into fuller roles as rosters shake out.