Carolina Panthers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) underwent a successful second ACL surgery last week, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. The operation was led by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who is widely regarded as one of the country's top sports medicine specialists. Brooks missed the first half of his rookie season due to an ACL injury, so it was crushing to see him suffer another ACL tear just a few games into his NFL career. This latest tear is expected to sideline Brooks for the entire 2025 season, meaning he won't be fully healthy until the 2026 campaign. The Panthers are fortunate that Chuba Hubbard played so well during the 2024 season and is on track to remain their starting running back in 2025. Hubbard ranks as a high-end fantasy RB2 next year, but Brooks' eventual return in 2026 could add a wrinkle to the backfield dynamic.

After a disastrous rookie season in 2023, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young got off to a terrible start in 2024 and was benched after just two games in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. The Athletic's Joseph Person writes that the second-year signal-caller made arguably the most important 180-degree turnaround in franchise history. Young was among Pro Football Focus' highest-graded QBs in the final 11 weeks of the season, and his turnaround was sparked by improved body language and fire and much better footwork. Young's footwork ended the year "light years ahead" of where it was at in 2023 and to begin this season, according to a team source. The former No. 1 overall pick had a 61.8 completion percentage, 2,104 yards, 15 TDs and six interceptions in his last 10 starts. He won't be a QB1 in fantasy in 2025, but his turnaround gives fantasy managers hope he could eventually get there.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen said that he will go through his normal process and evaluate whether he wants to continue his playing career this offseason. Thielen said he's leaning in a certain direction, "but I'm not going to tell you what that is." If the Panthers choose to do so, they can cut the 34-year-old with only a $5 million dead salary cap hit to get out of the final year of his deal. He missed time in 2024 due to a hamstring injury that landed him on Injured Reserve, but Thielen was productive when healthy as quarterback Bryce Young's favorite target, catching 48 passes on 62 targets for 615 yards and five touchdowns in 10 starts. Staying in Carolina is the likely outcome if Thielen chooses to play another season. His chemistry with Young would give him a solid fantasy floor as a flex, depending on what the rest of the WR room looks like in 2025.

Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders rushed for 66 yards on 17 carries during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Atlanta Falcons in overtime. He also caught three of his four targets for 50 yards through the air. Additionally, Sanders scored two touchdowns one on the ground and one through the air. The veteran running back delivered a major outing in his first game back from injured reserve, turning in his best fantasy performance (PPR) since Week 14 of the 2022 season. He remains under contract with the Panthers in 2025, making him an appealing fantasy handcuff behind Chuba Hubbard to open next season.

Carolina Panthers running back Mike Boone was a non-factor in Sunday's 44-38 overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18. Boone rushed for 18 yards on four carries while catching one pass for minus two yards. The Panthers activated Miles Sanders (ankle) off the injured reserve, and Boone took a clear backseat to Sanders in this one. He was out-touched by Sanders 17 to four in the contest. However, Boone did have the same number of rushing attempts as last week's starter, Raheem Blackshear. During the season, Boone had nine carries for 33 yards, which is not a recommended fantasy option for managers in 2025.