Fantasy Football: 8 Players With Favorable Schedules

Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers

Opposing Defenses: 3rd Easiest

Opposing Rush Defenses: 1st Easiest

Despite the Carolina Panthers using the eighth overall pick on Christian McCaffrey, it's unclear how the rookie running back fits into the Carolina offense.

The Panthers resigned Jonathan Stewart this offseason and also drafted running back/wide receiver Curtis Samuel, creating a bit of a logjam in the backfield with Cam Newton. Additionally, since 2011 only one Carolina running back has topped 27 receptions while playing with Newton -- Stewart had 47 in 2011 -- which theoretically caps one of McCaffrey's biggest strengths.

But should McCaffrey earn a featured role in the Carolina backfield, he has a schedule that can set him up for success. The Panthers are set to face the league's easiest schedule of opposing rush defenses, and overall, they'll play the third-easiest schedule of opposing defenses.

As Ryan Ward pointed out in his article on early-season schedules, McCaffrey could get off to a hot start as the Panthers first few games are particularly soft, including matchups against the San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills and Saints.