Game Info
Kickoff: January 5, 2025, 1:00 PM ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Network: CBS
Carolina Panthers
Quarterback
Bryce Young: Start, QB1
Young takes on a Falcons defense that has now allowed the second most passing TDs to opposing QBs this season. While his performance dipped a little last week, he still managed 16.9 points in 4 pt passing TD leagues. I see Young as a low-end QB1 this week and certainly startable in this spot. The Panthers could not run the ball a lick last week, and I am doubtful much will change on that front in Week 18.
Running Back
Raheem Blackshear: Sit
Mike Boone: Sit
I expected Blackshear to get involved in the passing game last week, and the Panthers responded by giving him zero targets. He was a phenomenal college receiver, so maybe that changes after a week of practice, but it’s not something I would want to bet on.
Mike Boone is a limited back at best and would need to fall into the end zone to return value. Both of these guys are easy passes unless you’re super desperate.
Wide Receiver
Adam Thielen: Start, WR1
Xavier Legette: FLEX Option, WR3
Jalen Coker: FLEX Option, WR3
Thielen has had an awesome run over the last part of the regular season. He’s caught five or more passes in six straight games and now has three TDs in his last two starts. The Falcons have struggled with solid receivers this season who can play inside and outside, and Thielen is still a preeminent slot receiver even at his advanced NFL age. I expect him to end strong and would find a spot for him in my starting lineup, even if I had a deep WR base.
Coker has emerged as a useful WR in Carolina, but he’s still more of a boom-or-bust option. He should play a ton, given the Panthers have no reason not to give him reps, but he is third in the pecking order for targets behind Legette and Thielen. Legette may have the better target share, but Coker is still a far better upside option in my opinion, so if you were ranking them, I would have Coker over Legette.
Tight End
Tommy Tremble: Sit
Ja’Tavion Sanders: Sit
Tremble and Sanders split snaps in Week 17, with Sanders seeing the only target, which came late in the game. I don’t know why the Panthers aren’t giving Sanders more work, but perhaps it will come in Week 18. He’s looked explosive in spots. It’s impossible to trust either of these players, but Sanders could be an upside option for very deep leagues.
Atlanta Falcons
Quarterback
Michael Penix: Sit
It’s tough for a rookie to get thrust into a situation like the one Atlanta finds itself in right now (fighting for a playoff spot). You can’t really fault Penix for his up-and-down performances, and even though this is a good matchup, I also expect he may not have to throw the ball much against the Panthers. I’d look for Atlanta to make Penix a game manager in this spot and try to let Bijan Robinson do most of the work.
Running Back
Bijan Robinson: Start, RB1
You don’t need me to tell you to start Bijan Robinson. He’s finished with over 20 fantasy points in PPR leagues in four of his last five games and takes on the league’s worst rush defense in the Panthers. Robinson should get all the work he can handle in this spot as Atlanta tries to keep some pressure on Tampa Bay and finish off the season strong.
Wide Receiver
Drake London: Start, WR1
Darnell Mooney: FLEX Option, WR3
Drake London has posted target shares of 31% and 38% over his last two games and has emerged as Michael Penix’s favorite target. That’s hurt Mooney, who was seeing near equal usage with Kirk Cousins under center. We may get a little more balance this week, but I also don’t project the Falcons to be passing a ton.
London is an easy start against this defense, but I would hesitate to start Mooney unless I didn’t have a better option. He has upside but will likely be limited in usage.
Tight End
Kyle Pitts: Start, TE1
Just when you thought Kyle Pitts was dead, he goes out and posts his first decent game in a while. Pitts turned five targets into 4 receptions and a TD vs. the Commanders and has another terrific matchup against the Panthers this week, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing TEs. Pitts remains boom or bust and could be affected by the game script, but he undoubtedly has enough upside to start in this spot if you’re looking for options.