The Carolina Panthers are preparing for a big Week 3 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
The Panthers enter this matchup with some real momentum after crushing the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2. The team has found some early success thanks to Bryce Young playing at an elite level, and their receiver duo stepping up.
The Browns also have some momentum, though, after upsetting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. The Browns’ offense has struggled, but their defense was much better in Week 2.
Now that the scene is set, let’s see which Panthers should be started and sat in your fantasy matchups this weekend.
QB Bryce Young
As mentioned above, Young has been awesome this season. The quarterback has thrown for 648 yards and six touchdowns already, with just one interception.
As a result, you’ve likely been very happy if you’ve started Young in fantasy so far. Will that trend continue in Week 3? It could, but I think Young might be due for a mediocre performance. This is the home opener for the Browns, and their defense looked much better last week. I think this unit will be fired up, and Young traditionally hasn’t played great on the road (unless it’s in Atlanta).
There are probably better quarterback options for fantasy this week.
Verdict: Sit
RB Chuba Hubbard
Bob Donnan - Imagn Images
Chuba Hubbard hasn’t put up crazy numbers yet in 2026. The running back has 106 rushing yards and one rushing score so far, but his production has been helped by his contributions in the pass game.
Now, Hubbard is the unquestioned RB1 with Jonathon Brooks on injured reserve. This means Hubbard should have plenty of volume, and the Browns are a favorable matchup. The Browns are currently giving up 131.5 yards per game on the ground.
Hubbard could end up with his first 100-yard game of the season here.
Verdict: Start
TE Darren Waller
Darren Waller is probably always going to be a risky play this season. That’s because the veteran isn’t going to get a ton of volume, so he will be entirely touchdown dependent.
However, you definitely were happy if you started Waller last weekend, as he caught three passes and scored twice. Waller will be a must-start if the Panthers’ offense is flowing, but if the team doesn’t get to the red zone much, Waller will be useless.
I do think the Panthers will have enough success on the ground that they should have scoring opportunities. The Browns allowed a touchdown to a tight end in Week 1 and allowed Cade Otton to catch five passes in Week 2. This is a good matchup.
Verdict: Start
