Calvin Johnson is the second-ranked fantasy wide receiver to date, but the Panthers could provide one of his toughest match ups of the season on Sunday. Johnson will predominantly be going up against cornerback Chris Gamble, who has already relatively shut down star receivers Marques Colston, Larry Fitzgerald, and Roddy White this season.
Of course, you're still going to play Megatron, but it's possible the Lions try to spread it out on Sunday after unsuccessfully going to CJ 15 times last Sunday in the Lions' blowout loss to the Bears, Johnson's worst fantasy output of the season (seven receptions, 81 yards). Some might suggest that you can't go to Johnson enough, but it's possible the Lions try to establish a running game and be a little more economically efficient with their targets to their stud receiver, which could be either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how well the Panthers handle him.
Numberfire.com projects Johnson will have just under 90 yards receiving and a touchdown. Fantasy owners should be more than happy with that, but they need to know going in that the Panthers pass defense allows opposing wide receivers over seven fantasy points less than the average defense in the league. It's entirely possible that Johnson puts up his first real fantasy stinker this week vs. the Panthers. I wouldn't bet on it, of course, but I wouldn't be surprised if it happens either.