The Panthers open the 2020 season at home against the Raiders, who were recently relocated to Las Vegas. Here are some matchup notes, stats to know and team connections for Sunday's game. Click here to find out how to watch and follow the game on Sunday.
Season Openers
- Carolina is 10-15 all-time in season openers, including 4-8 when opening the year at home. However, the Panthers have won four of the last six season openers dating back to the 20-14 win in Tampa Bay in 2014.
- Including 2020's home opener, the Panthers will have played 13 openers at home and 13 on the road in 26 seasons.
History: Panthers vs. Raiders
- This is the first time the Panthers and Raiders will face off in the month of September.
- Carolina is 2-1 all-time against the Raiders at home and 3-3 in the all-time series.
- Last matchup: Raiders won 35-32 in Oakland in 2016.
Get to Know the Raiders
The Raiders finished 7-9 in 2019 in head coach Jon Gruden's second season. The Raiders are the first NFL team to call Las Vegas home.
Quarterback Derek Carr ranked 16th in the league last season with 253.4 passing yards per game.
Running back Josh Jacobs returns after a stellar 2019 when the rookie posted 1,150 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns and ranked third in the NFL with 88.5 rushing yards per game. Tight end Darren Waller ranked second among NFL tight ends with 1,145 receiving yards.
Las Vegas will look to first-round pick Henry Ruggs III to make an impact in the passing game. He finished his career ranked third in Alabama history with 24 receiving touchdowns while totaling 1,716 yards in three seasons.
Carolina is 3-3 all-time against the Raiders with a 2-1 record at home.
Oakland Raiders' Lamarr Houston (99), Carolina Panthers' Louis Murphy (83) and other players scuffle as Armond Smith walks nearby after a play during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil (67) looks to his left as he and the Panthers offensive line gets set to snap the ball at the line of scrimmage opposite the Oakland Raiders defensive line during the 2016 NFL week 12 regular season football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 35-32. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) reacts after making a first down during NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders in Charlotte, NC Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
FILE - In this Dec. 23, 2012 file photo, Oakland Raiders' Carson Palmer (3) is hit by Carolina Panthers' Greg Hardy (76) and Charles Johnson (95) while throwing a pass during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. Hardy, a.k.a. the "Kracken," is quickly earning a reputation as one of the best all-around defensive ends in the league, and nobody knows that better than Palmer, who got knocked out of the game last year by Hardy. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone, File)
Oakland Raiders offense lines up against the Carolina Panthers defense during an NFL game on Sunday, November 27, 2016. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 35-32. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
FILE - In this Dec. 23, 2012, file photo, Oakland Raiders' Terrelle Pryor (6) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C. Pryor will make his first career start at quarterback for the Oakland Raiders in their season finale in San Diego, coach Dennis Allen announced Friday. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)
Oakland Raiders' Andre Carter (97) grabs the jersey of Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) as Raiders' Philip Wheeler (52) reaches for Smith during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly (59) walks off the field after an interception of a Oakland Raiders pass during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) gets a high five from Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn, Jr. (19) after throwing a touchdown pass that gives the Panthers a 32-24 fourth quarter lead during the 2016 NFL week 12 regular season football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 35-32. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Two Carolina Panthers fans are surrounded by Oakland Raiders fans in the black hole during the 2016 NFL week 12 regular season football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 35-32. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) beats Oakland Raiders cornerback Sean Smith (21) and catches a touchdown pass during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, November 27, 2016. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 35-32. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) reacts after making a first down against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
A penalty flag flies past Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) as he breaks away for a run against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. The run, for a touchdown, was called back for a holding penalty. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith (89) and Cam Newton (1) celebrate Smith's touchdown catch against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Oakland Raiders' Darren McFadden (20) tries to break the tackle of Carolina Panthers' Thomas Davis (58) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers' James Dockery (31) defends a pass to Oakland Raiders' Rod Streater (80) during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. The pass was incomplete. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers defense stops Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) during an NFL game on Sunday, November 27, 2016. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 35-32. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Carolina Panthers' Cam Newton (1) celebrates his touchdown run against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly, right, tackles Oakland Raiders' Terrelle Pryor, left, during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone)
Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) lines up against the Oakland Raiders offense during an NFL football game in Charlotte, NC Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Ted Ginn (19) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders defeated the Panthers, 35-32. (Ryan Kang via AP)
The Carolina Panthers offense huddles and calls a play during the 2016 NFL week 12 regular season football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 35-32. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Carolina Panthers defensive lineman Reggie White (92) pass rushes during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2000 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game, 52-9. (Greg Trott via AP)
FILE - In this Nov. 27, 2016, file photo, Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) drops back as Carolina Panthers free safety Tre Boston (33) applies pressure during the second half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders are headed to the postseason party for the first time since 2002, but they'll be without Derek Carr after losing their star quarterback to a broken right leg. Backup Matt McGloin will lead them instead. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) scores a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Carolina Panthers' DeAngelo Williams (34) runs as Oakland Raiders' Matt Giordano (27) tries to make the tackle during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) leaps over a pile of players as he tried diving for a touchdown that gets stopped by the defense during the 2016 NFL week 12 regular season football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016 in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders won the game 35-32. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. The Raiders defeated the Panthers, 35-32. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Julius Peppers #90 and Richard Marshall #31 of the Carolina Panthers celebrate following a fumble recovery against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Jake Delhomme #17 of the Carolina Panthers pitches out against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Jake Delhomme #17 of the Carolina Panthers drops back to pass against the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Carolina Panthers runs for a 69-yard touchdown against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Muhsin Muhammad #87 of the Carolina Panthers makes a 27-yard reception against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Members of the Carolina Panthers defensive line look on from the sidelines against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Jon Beason #52 of the Carolina Panthers calls a defense in the huddle against the Oakland Raiders at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 9, 2008 in Oakland, California. The Panthers defeated the Raiders 17-6. (AP Photo/G. Newman Lowrance)
Oakland Raiders Quarter Back Marques Tuiasosopo (8) during an NFL football game against The Carolina Panthers Sunday November 09, 2008 in Oakland. The Carolina Panthers defeated The Oakland Raiders 17-6 at The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in 2008 Regular Season Week 10 action. (AP Photo / Bill Nichols)
Carolina Panthers defensive back Nate Salley (25) points the way during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Nov. 9, 2008 in Oakland. (AP Photos/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers linebacker Jon Beason (52) defends during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Nov. 9, 2008 in Oakland. (AP Photos/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) celebrates a touchdown during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Nov. 9, 2008 in Oakland. (AP Photos/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers waide receiver Steve Smith (89) catches a pass during an NFL game against the Oakland Raiders, Nov. 9, 2008 in Oakland. (AP Photos/Greg Trott)
Carolina Panthers' Tyler Brayton (96) sacks Oakland Raiders quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo (8) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Oakland Raiders, including Tony Stewart (86) and Luke Lawton (44) pursue Carolina Panthers' Mark Jones, foreground, during a 55-yard punt-return in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. The Panthers won the game 17-6. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Oakland Raiders' Kwame Harris (77) recovers a fumble during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. Panthers' Tyler Brayton (96) and Julius Peppers (90) are also in on the play. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Carolina Panthers, including Charles Godfrey (30), Adam Seward (59) and Jon Beason, right, bring down Oakland Raiders' Justin Fargas (25) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers, right, chases Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Oakland Raiders receiver Doug Gabriel (85) and Carolina Panthers' Dante Wesley (21) wrestle near the end zone during the fourth quarter in Charlotte, N.C. Sunday Nov. 7, 2004. Wesley was flagged for pass interference and the 38-yard penalty gave Oakland the ball at the 4. Sebastian Janikowski kicked the game-winner three plays later as the Raiders won 27-24. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Oakland Raiders quarterback Kerry Collins (5) throws a pass as Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers (90) is upended during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 7, 2004. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Quarterback Kerry Collins #5 of the Oakland Raiders looks downfield for a receiver against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Defensive tackle Warren Sapp #99 of the Oakland Raiders takes a Gatorade break against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Wide receiver Ricky Proehl #81 of the Carolina Panthers gets upended on a pass play by rookie Stuart Schweigert #30 of the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Defensive end Julius Peppers #90 of the Carolina Panthers gets blocked by rookie tackle Robert Gallery #76 of the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Fullback Brad Hoover #45 of the Carolina Panthers scores a touchdown on a 16 yard pass play from quarterback Jake Delhomme in the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Wide receiver Mushin Muhammad #87 of the Carolina Panthers goes out for a pass while defended by Phillip Buchanon #31 of the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
With the stadium scoreboard in the background, the Carolina Panthers try to block a PAT by the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Quarterback Jake Delhomme #17 of the Carolina Panthers drops back to pass against the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Tight end Doug Jolley #88 of the Oakland Raiders catches a pass for a 33 yard gain against safety Mike Minter #30 of the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Tight end Kris Mangum #86 of the Carolina Panthers slaps a high five on a teammate after scoring a touchdown on a one yard pass from quarterback Jake Delhomme against the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
An unidentified Carolina Panthers defensive back breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Jerry Porter #84 of the Oakland Raiders at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2004 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Raiders defeated the Panthers 27-24. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Oakland Raiders vs. Carolina Panthers at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, December 24, 2000. Raiders beat Panthers 52-9. Oakland Raiders defensive back Eric Johnson (41) chases Carolina Panthers running back Michael Bates (24). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
Oakland Raiders vs. Carolina Panthers at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum Sunday, December 24, 2000. Raiders beat Panthers 52-9. Oakland Raiders linebacker Greg Biekert (54) chases down Carolina Panthers wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad (87). (AP Photo/Al Golub)
| Category (2018 stats) | Panthers | Raiders |
|---|---|---|
| Offense | ||
| Total Yards/Game | 341.8 (19th) | 363.7 (11th) |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 113.7 (14th) | 118.3 (13th) |
| Passing Yards/Game | 258.4 (10th) | 256.9 (t-12th) |
| Sacks Allowed | 58 (t-31st) | 29 (8th) |
| Third Down Efficiency | 31.9 (29th) | 43.8 (7th) |
| Points/Game | 21.3 (20th) | 19.6 (24th) |
| Defense | ||
| Total Yards/Game | 374.5 (23rd) | 354.8 (19th) |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 143.5 (29th) | 98.1 (8th) |
| Passing Yards/Game | 231.0 (13th) | 256.7 (25th) |
| Sacks | 53 (2nd) | 32 (t-24th) |
| Third Down Efficiency | 39.9 (t-21st) | 42.6 (26th) |
| Points/Game | 29.4 (31st) | 26.2 (24th) |
Stat Nuggets To Know
- Teddy Bridgewater will become the 10th different Panthers' quarterback to start in Week 1.
- In 2019, Christian McCaffrey finished the year with the third-most scrimmage yards in a single season in NFL history (2,392) and became just the third player to record 1,000-plus rushing yards and 1,000-plus receiving yards in one season. He also reset his own NFL record for most receptions by a running back (116).
- Through 48 career games, McCaffrey is averaging 6.3 receptions per game, the highest average by any running back in NFL history and the fourth highest by any player regardless of position.
- McCaffrey led the Panthers in scoring (116) for the second-straight season, becoming the first non-kicker to do that in franchise history.
- Last season, DJ Moore became the eighth Panther to record 1,000 receiving yards (1,175). At 22, he was also the youngest Panther to ever do it.
- In 2019, Carolina posted eight plays that went for 50+ yards (4 rushing, 4 receiving), tied for third most in the NFL. Moore's four plays of 50+ yards tied for the 2nd most ever by a Panther.
- Carolina is sporting a new look in 2020. Of the 53 players on the initial roster set last Saturday, only 23 were on the initial roster in 2019.
Chasing Milestones in 2020
- The Panthers need five wins to reach 200 regular season wins. Dating back to 1995, the Panthers are 195-204-1 in the regular season.
- McCaffrey (2,523) needs 25 receiving yards to pass Mark Carrier for fifth most in franchise history.
- McCaffrey (303) needs 22 receptions to pass Wesley Walls for fourth most in franchise history. McCaffrey (2,920) needs 417 rushing yards to pass DeShaun Foster for fourth most in franchise history.
- McCaffrey (39) needs 15 scrimmage touchdowns to move into the top 10 (Adrian Peterson/Maurice Jones-Drew) for most scores in his first four seasons.
- McCaffrey (5,443) needs 1,492 scrimmage yards to move into the top 10 (Emmitt Smith) for most scrimmage yards in his first four seasons.
- Moore (1,963) needs 85 receiving yards to pass Ted Ginn (2,047) to move into 10th place in franchise history.
- Curtis Samuel (14) needs six scrimmage touchdowns to tie Stephen Davis for 10th place in franchise history.
- JJ Jansen (176) needs seven games played to pass Steve Smith for second in franchise history behind John Kasay (221).
Notable Connections
Panthers
- Panthers quarterbacks coach Jake Peetz spent three seasons with the Raiders from 2015-17, coaching the QBs in his final season there.
- Linebacker Tahir Whitehead spent two seasons with the Raiders, leading the team with back-to-back 100-tackle seasons in 2018 and 2019.
- Wide receiver Seth Roberts played four seasons with the Raiders from 2015-18, totaling 1,826 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.
Raiders
- Five Raiders players went to college at Clemson: defensive end Clelin Ferrell, cornerback Trayvon Mullen, linebacker Tanner Muse, wide receiver Hunter Renfrow and guard John Simpson.
- Wide receiver Zay Jones (East Carolina), linebacker Nicholas Morrow (Greenville College), guard Denzelle Good (Mars Hill), punter AJ Cole (N.C. State), offensive tackle Brandon Parker (North Carolina A&T),wide receiver Bryan Edwards (South Carolina) and cornerback Kelsean Nixon (South Carolina) all went to school in the Carolinas.
