Carolina Panthers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) returned to action in Week 12 to face the mighty Kansas City Chiefs after he had missed seven consecutive games. Thielen's return was as impactful as one could hope, hauling in three receptions for 57 yards in Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Chiefs. One of such receptions was a 36-yarder on third-and-short, and another was a 13-yard grab that would set up the game-tying touchdown. Thielen has earned a reputation as a "security blanket" receiver throughout his career, and Sunday was a prime example of that reliability. Heading forward, he could offer great value as a flex option in the Week 13 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver David Moore caught six of 10 targets for 81 yards and a touchdown in Carolina's narrow 30-27 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12. One of those six catches was an impressive one-yard touchdown grab with a defender draped on him. This breakout performance had been building for Moore, who had played over 80% of Carolina's offensive snaps in the prior three games. With rookie wideout Jalen Coker (quadricep) out for Sunday's matchup, Moore's opportunity grew even more significant. Looking forward to Week 13 and beyond, this performance puts Moore's name in the hat as a potential flex option. Still, many fantasy managers may want another week of consistency before adding or picking him for the Week 13 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard rushed for 58 yards on 16 attempts and a touchdown while catching one of five targets for two yards in Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. With under two minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Hubbard punched in a one-yard touchdown and a subsequent two-point rush to tie the game at 27 against the NFL-best Kansas City Chiefs. While Kansas City was the eventual victor, Hubbard carrying the team's weight on his back in the game's biggest moment is a testament to his season. Following Sunday's slate, he is fifth in the NFL in rushing yards. Fantasy-wise, the late touchdown was crucial to a solid performance, as Hubbard's 58 rushing yards was his lowest since Week 8. Carolina will take on Tampa Bay next week in a divisional matchup.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young had 263 yards and a touchdown off 21-for-35 passing in Sunday's three-point loss to the Chiefs. He added three carries for 20 yards. The signal-caller has had his share of struggles throughout the 2024-25 campaign. However, Young arguably had his best showing of the season. Head coach Dave Canales remained adamant Young would remain starting for the Week 13 NFC South meeting with the Bucs. Unfortunately, he'll need a few more acceptable performances before fantasy managers consider him a starting option.

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (head/neck) was released from the hospital. He had three catches for 49 yards in the narrow loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. However, the 21-year-old took a scary hit late in the contest and landed on his head, resulting in the rookie getting carted off the field and transported to the hospital. Fortunately, it's sounds like he's doing better than most expected, considering he was hospitalized long. Even better, head coach Dave Canales reported Sanders is moving his extremities. It appears he'll have an uphill climb to get cleared for the Week 13 matchup with the Bucs. But if Sanders doesn't play, Tommy Tremble would likely fill the hole in the lineup.