Carolina faces a defensive rebuild after last year’s historic struggles, but Derrick Brown’s return anchors a revamped line that also features multiple free-agent signees and several rookies. If the newcomers adapt quickly, the Panthers could flip from the league’s worst run defense to something closer to mediocre in 2025, with veteran Adam Thielen adding steadying depth to an offense that can relieve pressure on a thinner defense.

Brown’s presence matters, but it won’t single-handedly fix a leaky unit. The success hinges on how quickly Tetairoa McMillan, Lathan Ransom, Princely Umanmielen, and Nic Scourton contribute, plus how Moehrig, Rozeboom and Wharton perform alongside the new linemen. For fantasy, it’s a nuanced mix: Brown remains a stalwart, while the value of Panthers defenders and receivers grows with improved team efficiency.

Carolina Panthers projections for the 2025 53-man roster hinge on a clean, two-quarterback plan and a balanced, versatile group across offense and defense. Bryce Young leads the offense with Andy Dalton backing him, while Jack Plummer and Bryce Perkins miss the cut. A 3-man backfield features Chuba Hubbard, Rico Dowdle and Trevor Etienne, whose preseason burst seals the No.3 role. At receiver, a size-weighted mix includes Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette and Adam Thielen, with speed and special-teams value from Jimmy Horn Jr. and Hunter Renfrow. Tommy Tremble anchors TE, and Ikem Ekwonu plus a cohesive veteran core anchors a nine-man O-line. The defense leans on Derrick Brown, A’Shawn Robinson, and Bobby Brown III up front, with a diverse edge and linebacker corps able to pressure and cover. Special teams feature Fitzgerald, Martin and Jansen as the specialists trio. Carolina’s plan blends starter reliability with developmental upside, prioritizing depth and special-teams value to weather the early-season grind.

Carolina closed 2024 with Bryce Young surging in the final stretch, throwing multiple TDs in all three of his last games and flashing the floor-to-ceiling potential fantasy managers crave. The Panthers used the off-season to pair him with Tetairoa McMillan, a top-10 pick who could become a long-term alpha target, while veteran Adam Thielen adds reliable volume behind him. The offensive line graded better than expected, potentially lifting Carolina’s 2025 outlook on that side of the ball. On defense, the Panthers remade the unit after finishing last in points and yards allowed, dropping $132M in free agency and adding a Day 2-5 draft class to juice the front and secondary. The chatter now centers on whether the impactful moves actually translate into wins and meaningful fantasy value, with futures markets and plausible player props shaping the conversation for 2025.

Expect Carolina to be more competitive offensively in 2025, with Young’s late-season growth and McMillan’s ceiling as a true No. 1-like option pairing. Thielen should still command solid targets as a reliable secondary option, while the revamped defense aims to climb from the league’s worst marks. The schedule looks favorable early for a unit that needs time to gel, and the betting market reflects a more optimistic ceiling than a year ago. For fantasy, Young’s rushing presence and TD upside keep him intriguing, while McMillan’s rookie path and Thielen’s steadiness offer compelling downside/upside plays in single-season formats.

Houston's practice on Wednesday was intentionally light as the Texans brace for a joint session with the Panthers, designed to stress mental checks and new schemes rather than tempo. Nick Caley’s offense will meet unfamiliar fronts for the first time, testing the unit’s ability to communicate and adjust on the fly.

Thursday’s joint practice will be full bore, with Carolina’s 3-4 front providing a true test for C.J. Stroud and the offense, including rookie Aireontae Ersery who will see extended reps against Carolina’s first string. Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter will again be in the spotlight as Houston looks to pressure Bryce Young while evaluating depth pieces on both sides of the ball. The Texans will also test their secondary depth with Calen Bullock, M.J. Stewart, Russ Yeast and Myles Bryant, alongside Jalen Mills who joined the defense to help weather injuries.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans stressed keeping the work productive and safe, aiming to gain meaningful insight from the Panthers’ contrasting look and Bryce Young’s development. The showdown with a different scheme is viewed as a critical learning step that could influence late-season preparation and fantasy considerations as Houston navigates a deeper, more varied evaluation window.