Carolina’s 20-3 loss to Houston in the preseason exposed both bright spots and rough edges for the Panthers, but for fantasy managers the standout moments were clear. Brycen Tremayne led the offense with 46 receiving yards on three catches, averaging 15.3 yards per grab and hauling a 23-yard score-like hook in the third; Jarrett Kingston handled all 32 snaps at center with zero pressures and earned game-high reliability; Yosh Nijman allowed zero pressures across his 32 snaps at right tackle and extra work at left tackle, while Brady Christensen provided steady value on the left edge. Emani Bailey delivered a 66.3 grade on a complementary backfield role. On the quarterback side, Andy Dalton left with an elbow issue after two completions on four attempts for 22 yards, while Jack Plummer finished 10 of 14 for 83 yards with two interceptions, and Ja'Tavion Sanders dropped a third-down ball that stalled Carolina’s opening drive.

Defensively, Jon Rhattigan scored a 90.0, pacing three pressures and an 83.5 coverage grade; Trevin Wallace (83.7 coverage), Bam Martin-Scott (79.5), J.J. Weaver (72.3), and Lathan Ransom (71.0) also flashed in coverage and pressure. The defense showed a few notable stops, but the unit also surrendered a handful of plays that will need cleaner technique and better situational awareness in August. The worst marks belonged to S Jack Henderson (47.9), Boogie Basham (47.9), Shy Tuttle (47.4), Thomas Incoom (44.1), and A’Shawn Robinson (29.5) overall, with Basham/Incoom delivering five combined pressures but Robinson’s coverage grade dragging the unit.

Bottom line: Tremayne, Kingston, Nijman, Christensen and Bailey surfaced as likely roster fixtures or practice-squad type contributors, while Dalton’s health and the QB room’s continuity will be closely watched into Week 1 prep. On defense, Rhattigan and Wallace offered playmaking upside, but the trenches and secondary showed a mix of solid fundamentals and needed improvements as Carolina builds toward the regular season.

Joint-practice notes between Houston and Carolina offered early-season fantasy cues. C.J. Stroud led two Texans scoring drives, including a red-zone TD to Nico Collins after finding Hutchinson and rookie Jaylin Noel. Stroud’s next series folded into a near-pick in red zone, with Carolina’s secondary disrupting routes and hinting at improved defense. On the Texans, Christian Kirk emerged as Stroud’s reliable late-game option during two-minute scenarios, giving him a real-life-Game feel. Derek Stingley Jr. showcased why referencing him as a defensive playmaker matters, picking Young on a back-shoulder attempt and highlighting the Texans’ perimeter coverage. Carolina’s offense looked sharper, with Bryce Young threading Legette, Tremayne, and Evans across multiple drives, and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders? ending a drive with a red-zone TD. Will Anderson Jr. pressed the issue for Houston, delivering two sacks and signaling a work-in-progress but high-ceiling defense. Overall, the session painted a balanced picture: Houston’s offense showing flashes under Stroud, Carolina’s system appearing incrementally more cohesive, and both teams parsing out depth and fit ahead of the season.