Jalen Coker Over Tetairoa McMillan? Numbers Say Panthers WR is Strong Fantasy Option

The Carolina Panthers dropped the opening game of the 2026 NFL season, falling to the Chicago Bears 59-37.

While the defense couldn't do much of anything to stop the Bears' attack, the Panthers' offense did see some positives. Carolina entered the year with real questions around the offense, mainly quarterback Bryce Young.

But at least for one week, those questions were put to bed, with Carolina putting on an offensive show. The Panthers scoring 37 points can be something that the team will look to build on as the year moves along.

One player who fully broke out on Sunday was wide receiver Jalen Coker, who helped generate a ton of the success for the Panthers. Coker put up eight receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns, giving Carolina a boost.

But Coker's dominant performance has now raised the question of his worthiness in the fantasy football world. The Panthers' number one option is seen as Tetairoa McMillan, but Coker has put together some special performances over his last few games.

Over the last six games together, Coker has outscored McMillan on a fantasy football level. This then begs the question of where Coker should be seen as a top fantasy asset.

"He led all receivers on Sunday with 33.8 fantasy points. Coker has demonstrated an extremely strong chemistry with Bryce Young, as he's been averaging nearly 16 fantasy points per game over his last six starts. And we should see that production continue as McMillan draws the top corner, and their next three teams they're facing are the Lions, Falcons, and Browns. Three teams that were just gashed through the air in Week 1"

Last season, Coker only put up 33 catches for 394 yards and three scores, playing in 11 games for the Panthers. His numbers from Week 1 indicate that a breakout season could be coming for the undrafted wideout out of Holy Cross.

Even with Coker's success, McMillan is still the top option from the Panthers moving forward, or at least until proven otherwise. McMillan grabbed five catches for 75 yards against the Bears, showing that both guys could thrive in this passing attack.

For now, McMillan remains the better fantasy option. But Coker seems to be giving him a run for his money.

Next up for the Panthers is the Atlanta Falcons, who lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1. Atlanta's secondary didn't do very well against an aging Aaron Rodgers, so Young may have a chance to pick them apart if he can keep up his strong play.