Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, October 12, 2025, 1:00 PM ET
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
Network: FOX
Dallas Cowboys
Quarterback
Dak Prescott: START, Borderline QB1
The Panthers’ defense has been a more formidable challenge for opposing quarterbacks than most realize. They held Trevor Lawrence, Kyler Murray, and Michael Penix Jr. to a combined two touchdowns and four interceptions, and allowed just one quarterback over 250 passing yards, last week’s 256-yard total from Tua Tagovailoa. You’re starting Dak Prescott, but he’s towards the back end of QB1s in Week 6.
Running Back
Javonte Williams: START, RB1
Miles Sanders: SIT
Jaydon Blue: SIT
You don’t need me to tell you to start Javonte Williams, but did you know he was college teammates with Michael Carter at North Carolina? They formed one of the most dominant running back duos in college football history, combining for an incredible 2,385 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns in their final season together.
Wide Receiver
CeeDee Lamb
George Pickens: START, WR1
Jalen Tolbert: SIT
Ryan Flournoy: SIT
George Pickens delivered 2 catches on 4 targets for 57 yards, including a spectacular 43-yard TD reception where he burned Sauce Gardner. Pickens made Cowboys history with the touchdown catch, the most in Cowboys history for a player in his first five games in Dallas! The low volume doesn’t matter when he’s scoring every week. He’s a certified baller and locked in as a high-end WR2, low-end WR1 while CeeDee Lamb is out. Ryan Flournoy came out of nowhere with KaVonte Turpin sidelined for his first career 100-yard game, but even with Turpin expected out again, he’s not on the fantasy radar. Jalen Tolbert had a big ole goose egg in Week 5 and shouldn’t even be on your roster.
Tight End
Jake Ferguson: START, TE1
Jake Ferguson was peppered with 9 targets, catching 7 passes for 49 yards and two touchdowns in Week 5, his second straight game with a score. With CeeDee Lamb out, Ferguson has been a target vacuum and a certified, every-week must-start TE.
Defense/Special Teams
Dallas Cowboys: SIT
Dallas falls under the “I’m not recommending a defense allowing over 30 points per game” rule.
Carolina Panthers
Quarterback
Bryce Young: SIT, QB2 (Startable in Superflex)
Bryce Young led the Panthers to a comeback win, but the stat line was rough. Young had 19 completions on 30 attempts for 198 yards, 2 TDs, 1 interception, and a fumble lost. The harsh reality is that Young has only one game with over 200 passing yards this season. His leash is getting shorter and shorter. He remains a shaky fantasy option who could find himself back on the bench for good if the turnovers continue.
Running Back
Chuba Hubbard
Rico Dowdle: START, RB2
Trevor Etienne: SIT
In a spot start for injured starter Chuba Hubbard, Rico Dowdle rushed for more yards than Chase Brown has all season. Dowdle threw up a 30 burger and rushed for 206 yards on 23 carries, averaging nearly nine yards per carry. Up next? A revenge game against the Cowboys, who just so happen to give up the sixth most points to the position. Hubbard had yet to practice at the time of writing and is considered a long shot to play. Dowdle shapes up as a solid RB2 with sneaky upside against his former team.
Wide Receiver
Tetairoa McMillan:: START, WR1
Jalen Coker: FLEX, WR5
Xavier Legette: SIT
Hunter Renfrow: SIT
Tetairoa McMillan is in a similar situation to his division mate Chris Olave. The volume is phenomenal, with eight or more targets in every game, but the minimal yardage and zero touchdowns are not so phenomenal. He’s a good bet to get into the endzone for the first time in his pro career against the Cowboys, who’ve given up 10 touchdowns to wide receivers and allow the most fantasy points to the position. Jalen Coker was designated to return from IR and practiced on full Wednesday. Coker’s on track to play Sunday, and although I would normally say wait a game or two before starting him, if you’re desperate, he’s a decent flyer at FLEX considering the matchup. Xavier Legette and Hunter Renfrow are both lovely people, but dont belong in any starting fantasy lineups.
Tight End
Ja’Tavion Sanders: SIT
Tommy Tremble: SIT
Whether it’s Tommy Tremble or Ja’Tavion Sanders, neither Panthers tight end is in consideration for fantasy.
Defense/Special Teams
Carolina Panthers: SIT
Since shutting out the Falcons in Week 3, the Panthers have allowed 66 points to the Patriots and Dolphins.