Carolina Panthers DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

The Carolina Panthers continue to receive calls from interested teams in former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, but the Panthers aren't considering moving him at this time, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini. Young will make a second straight start in Week 9 against the division-rival New Orleans Saints, and Carolina was encouraged by his improvements in the Week 8 loss to the Denver Broncos. NFL executives think that if the Panthers eventually decide to trade him, they'll get a better deal in the offseason. Young is apparently off the table for now in a trade, but the Panthers are believed to be open to dealing running back Miles Sanders and edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. The 23-year-old Young went 24-for-37 for 224 yards with his first touchdown of the year and two picks last Sunday. Don't expect much improvement, if any, against the Saints this week with Diontae Johnson out of town and rookie receiver Xavier Legette (toe) questionable to play.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Thielen logged two limited practice sessions on Wednesday and Thursday but was sidelined on Friday. The veteran wideout is now in danger of missing his sixth-straight contest. During the first three weeks of the season, Thielen caught at least two passes in each game and averaged 36.3 yards per game. While the 34-year-old remains sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker to lead the air attack.

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is not expected to play despite being listed as questionable according to David Newton of ESPN. Head coach Dave Canales noted that the rookie running back is progressing well but is not expected to play this weekend. Brooks was able to participate in full during all of the practices this week which is a great sign for his availability heading into Week 10. The Panthers are opting to exercise caution with their former second-round pick who suffered a torn ACL last November. Brooks remains a high-end stash candidate. Chuba Hubbard should be given another heavy dose of work this weekend and is a viable RB2 in all formats.

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle missed last Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers with an illness, but he's off the injury report and expected to play in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons. Dowdle is a likely candidate to lead Dallas' backfield in production. After all, he led the Cowboys' running back room in snaps four times over the five-game span from Week 2 through 6. However, it's worth noting that he was out-snapped and out-produced by Ezekiel Elliott during their last game together in Week 6. Presumably, Dowdle will get first dibs on carrying the ball versus Atlanta, but Dallas won't shy away from riding the hot hand, especially if Elliott or Dalvin Cook play well in the opening quarter. Fantasy managers should treat Dowdle as a low-end RB3 with a low floor and low ceiling.

Carolina Panthers wide receivers Adam Thielen (hamstring) and Xavier Legette (toe) were listed as limited participants in Thursday's practice. Thielen has not played since Week 3 due to a hamstring injury that caused him to go on the Injured Reserve list. Legette has had a solid start to his NFL career, catching 22 passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns. Both players saw a fantasy football value boost after Diontae Johnson was traded to the Baltimore Ravens, but it's tough to get too high on either player with quarterback Bryce Young under center. However, Thielen posted a 1,000-yard season with Young in 2023, so he could have PPR value in the second half of the 2024 campaign. Rookie Jalen Coker is also a candidate to benefit from Johnson's departure. Fantasy managers should monitor Legette's and Thilen's status on Friday before Week 9 start-or-sit decisions.