Carolina Panthers fantasy football sleepers to target vs. Jaguars

If you're playing fantasy football, keep an eye on these Panthers.

Jul 23, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) runs with the ball during training camp Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers have an interesting matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 of the NFL season, which is also the first week of fantasy football. As such, it's vital to find the right matchups to target. You might have some Panthers players already, but if not, these are the ones you probably want to target for this upcoming matchup.

Bryce Young

Aug 16, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Bryce Young sort of became matchup-proof at the end of last season, and he's kind of in that realm to start the 2025 season. One thing worth noting is the exodus of Adam Thielen and Jalen Coker's trip to IR, but he does have Tetairoa McMillan, and the Jaguars gave up the most passing yards per game last season, so Young is probably due for a pretty good outing.

Chuba Hubbard

In the same sense, Chuba Hubbard has a great matchup on the ground. Jacksonville was better in that area, but they still gave up over 130 rushing yards per game, good for eighth in the NFL last season. Hubbard is healthy and back behind that same quality offensive line, and while the Jags have made some improvements, that's still a matchup to take advantage of.

Xavier Legette

In deeper leagues, Xavier Legette is worth a shout. As mentioned, the Jaguars had trouble defending the pass. They brought in Travis Hunter, who is expected to play both ways, to help the secondary. However, he's more likely to cover Tetairoa McMillan, allowing Legette to see weaker coverage. Plus, with McMillan in the lineup, Legette figures to have a little more open space to work with.

Ja'Tavion Sanders

Ja'Tavion Sanders, almost by default, is going to be the starting tight end, which means he has a decent matchup. The Jaguars struggled against the pass and cut a decent linebacker in Chad Muma. Bryce Young will need a safety valve with Thielen gone, so why not the position that typically is the safety valve? Sanders began to look really good before his neck injury last year, so a healthy version might be a sneakily good option this week.

- Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI - 

Panthers updated WR depth chart with Jalen Coker out, Hunter Renfrow in

ESPN prediction would prove cutting Jadeveon Clowney was a bad idea

Panthers rookie Tetairoa McMillan declared fantasy football league winner

NFL insider predicts Panthers will upset the Jaguars in Week 1 matchup