Predicting 5 Best Performers From Houston Texans vs. Carolina Panthers In Week 2

By Brian Kalchik

Predicting 5 Best Performers From Houston Texans vs. Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton Panthers
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The 0-1 Texans meet the 1-0 Panthers in Week 2 with a lot on the line for both teams. With a win, Carolina can gain more separation from the rest of the teams in the NFC South. For the Texans, a win is crucial, especially with Ryan Mallett replacing Brian Hoyer so early in the season. Here will be the top five performers for this Sunday's game.

5. Luke Kuechly

Luke-Kuechly Panthers
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5. Luke Kuechly

Luke Kuechly Panthers
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Luke Kuechly is the best middle linebacker in football and is crucial for the Panthers' defense. Kuechly suffered a concussion in Week 1 and his status in questionable, but if he's on the field, he will produce his normal numbers.

4. Greg Olsen

Greg Olsen Panthers
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4. Greg Olsen

Greg Olsen Panthers
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Greg Olsen is one of the best tight ends in football and is the Panthers' best weapon on the outside. Olsen was limited to just one catch and 11 yards against Jacksonville, but he faces a Texans defense that gave up over 100 yards receiving and two touchdowns to Kansas City's Travis Kelce.

3. DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins Texans
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3. DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins Texans
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With Arian Foster still out of the lineup, DeAndre Hopkins is the best offensive playmaker for the Texans. Against the Chiefs, Hopkins had 90 yards receiving, two touchdowns and one two-point conversion.

2. Cam Newton

Cam Newton Panthers
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2. Cam Newton

Cam Newton Panthers
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Despite limited weapons on offense, Cam Newton continues to improve week after week. Against the Jaguars, Newton had 175 yards passing with one touchdown and 35 yards rushing. In his lone game against the Texans, Newton had 149 yards passing and two touchdowns in a 28-13 win back in 2011.

1. J.J. Watt

J.J. Watt Texans
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1. J.J. Watt

J.J. Watt Texans
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J.J. Watt is the best defensive player in football, so of course he's No. 1. Against Kansas City, Watt had nine tackles and two sacks.

Brian Kalchik is a Houston Texans writer and featured writer for www.RantSports.com. He also covers the NBA, College Basketball, Fantasy Sports, Clubhouse and College Football for the site. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.

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