Which defense allows the most fantasy points to running backs?

Based on the 2026 season, the Carolina Panthers allow the most fantasy points to running backs (about 5.4 PPR points per game), making them the softest matchup to target.

Is it a good matchup to start a running back against the Panthers?

The Carolina Panthers are one of the best matchups in the league to start a running back. They allow the 1st-most fantasy points to running backs in the NFL, surrendering roughly 5.4 PPR points per game to the position.

How many fantasy points do the Carolina Panthers allow to running backs per game?

The Carolina Panthers defense allowed about 5.4 PPR fantasy points per game to running backs across the 2026 season (17 games).

Defense vs Position › Carolina Panthers vs RB

Carolina Panthers Defense vs RB

Fantasy points allowed by the Carolina Panthers to running backs, with the matchup rank and whether it is a spot to start or sit.

The Carolina Panthers allow the 1st-most fantasy points to running backs in the NFL, giving up about 5.4 PPR fantasy points per game to the position based on the 2026 season, which makes them an excellent matchup to start a running back against.

5.4

PPR pts / game allowed to RBs

1st

most generous defense to RBs (of 32)

32nd

fewest fantasy points allowed (toughest = 1st)

An excellent matchup

to start a running back against

What the Carolina Panthers defense allowed to running backs, per game, over the 2026 season (17 games). These per-game averages prove the matchup: higher numbers mean an easier defense to score on.
Stat allowed to RBs	Per game
Fantasy points (PPR)	5.4
Rush yds	25.5
Rush TD	0.2
Receptions	0.8
NFL rank (1 = allows most)	1st of 32

Last updated October 3, 2026 · Data source: 2026 NFL season game logs (Sleeper), PPR scoring.

Where the Panthers rank vs running backs

Across the 2026 season the Carolina Panthers gave up the most fantasy points to running backs (the softest matchup to target), while the Houston Texans allowed the fewest (the toughest). The Carolina Panthers land at 1st of 32, so treat this as one of the best matchups in the league to start a running back.

How to use this matchup

Start your studs regardless

Elite running backs stay in your lineup even in a tough matchup. This page matters most for borderline flex and streaming calls.

Attack a soft spot

A generous defense is a green light to stream a mid-tier running back or trust a boom-or-bust play.

Check the full schedule

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Panthers defense vs other positions

Carolina Panthers vs QB Carolina Panthers vs WR Carolina Panthers vs TE

Starting a running back? Check the player

Jahmyr Gibbs Bijan Robinson Jonathan Taylor Derrick Henry James Cook III Ashton Jeanty