Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, November 16, 2025, 1:00 PM ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Network: FOX
Carolina Panthers
Quarterback
Bryce Young: SIT
Bryce Young has thrown for a combined 364 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in his last three starts. You’re better off starting Sir Purr than Bryce Young.
Running Back
Rico Dowdle: START, RB1
Chuba Hubbard: SIT
There’s no question that Rico Dowdle is the starting running back for the Carolina Panthers after Chuba Hubbard had a combined nine carries over their last two games. There were a few heart palpitations for Dowdle managers after he missed practice on Wednesday, but at the time of writing, he was expected to practice on Thursday and be fine for Sunday. As long as he’s in there, Dowdle is set up for a fantastic matchup against the Falcons and ranks inside my top 10 for Week 11. Atlanta has given up eight total touchdowns to running backs since Week 7.
Also, I had to share this awesome video from the Panthers. And props to Dowdle for turning a penalty and fine into something positive.
Rico was pretty pumped to see him pic.twitter.com/azDvoWgvEr
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) November 8, 2025
Wide Receiver
Tetairoa McMillan: START, WR3
Xavier Legette: SIT
Jalen Coker: SIT
Tetairoa McMillan is averaging seven targets per game over his last three games, offering a somewhat safe floor but little to no upside for the rookie receiver. Atlanta has given up five touchdowns to receivers over their last three games, but they’re still a bottom-10 matchup for fantasy and allowed just one receiver all year over 100 yards. Tet can be started as a WR3, but keep expectations in check. No other Panthers receiver is startable with as poorly as Bryce Young is playing.
Tight End
Ja’Tavion Sanders: SIT
Just in case you were feeling frisky and thinking of starting Ja’Tavion Sanders after his five-catch performance in Week 10, the Falcons are the second-worst matchup for tight ends. They’ve held all but two tight ends under 25 receiving yards and given up just one score to the position. To my Tyler Warren and Juwan Johnson owners navigating the bye, don’t get too cute here.
Defense/Special Teams
Carolina Panthers: SIT
The Panthers have held teams to 22.2 points per game this season, but have forced just 10 turnovers and have the third-lowest sack total with 16.
Atlanta Falcons
Quarterback
Michael Penix Jr.: SIT
The Panthers’ defense has been stingy when it comes to opposing quarterbacks, allowing the 10th fewest fantasy points to the position and tied for the fifth fewest passing touchdowns allowed this season. Michael Penix Jr. has thrown for just one touchdown in three of his last four starts and has 250 or fewer passing yards in four straight. You may not have a choice in Superflex with byes and injuries, but I’d start guys like Davis Mills and Jameis Winston before I’d start Penix.
Running Back
Bijan Robinson: START, RB1
Tyler Allgeier: SIT
If you have Bijan Robinson on your fantasy team, you may want to skip this part. Bijan was his typical productive self in Week 10, but failed to get in the endzone for the third straight game. Bijan maintained his elite usage with nearly 20 touches totaling 88 yards, but the ultimate thorn in our side, Tyler Allgeier, handled all three carries inside the 10, scoring twice. The Falcons’ backup is up to a career-high six touchdowns, and the frustrating usage of Allgeier in the red zone is capping what should be an unlimited ceiling for Robinson. Allgeier isn’t consistent enough to start, even at FLEX. But he should be rostered in all leagues. Bijan remains a top five fantasy option based on talent alone, but could have a hard time having a big game against a Carolina Defense allowing 97.7 yards per game on the ground.
Wide Receiver
Drake London: START, WR1
Darnell Mooney: SIT
Since Week 8, Drake London‘s four touchdowns are the most among receivers with at least 25 routes run, and that’s with him missing a game. London has the fifth-highest yards per route run over that period and is back to must-start status. Darnell Mooney has one catch in three straight games and has yet to do anything this season to be in consideration for fantasy purposes.
Tight End
Kyle Pitts Sr.: START, TE1
Kyle Pitts is seeing a healthy enough target share to be considered a borderline TE1 in most weeks, and in a matchup with Carolina (allowing the seventh-most points to the position), he’s startable in all formats.
Defense/Special Teams
Atlanta Falcons: START
The Falcons have been giving up points in bunches over the past few weeks, but they’ve racked up 13 sacks and forced six fumbles in their past two games. They’re a top option against Bryce Young.