Matthew Stafford, surging Rams take aim at Panthers

Thu Nov 27 10:23am ET
Field Level Media

The Los Angeles Rams are the hottest team in the NFC, but Carolina is among the conference's teams with the most to prove.

The Rams visit the Panthers for Sunday afternoon's game in Charlotte, N.C.

Los Angeles (9-2) has won six games in a row and holds a one-game edge on Seattle in the NFC West. The Rams have their longest winning streak in seven years.

The Panthers (6-6) had a chance to move into sole possession of first place in the NFC South last week, but they lost 20-9 to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. Carolina sits only a half-game behind Tampa Bay as it tries to snap a two-game homefield skid before going into a bye week.

"They're hungry to get back to work," Panthers coach Dave Canales said. "They're hungry for another opportunity to play against a formidable opponent. ... They're all high-stakes games, especially now at this point in the season."

So having come up short in that high-profile opportunity, the only way for the Panthers to gain redemption will be with a strong performance against one of the league's top teams.

"It just boils down to execution," Panthers quarterback Bryce Young said. "You've got to be able to turn the page, good or bad."

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has thrown for 30 touchdowns with two interceptions.

"He's distributing the ball well to a bunch of different wide receivers," Canales said. "He's getting the ball out fast. He has a group that he really trusts."

Davante Adams' nine TD receptions in a five-game span ties a Rams record.

It's a rare quick turnaround for the Panthers, with a Monday night game and cross-country trip home.

"The good part of it is, at this point of the season, we know what we're doing," Canales said of the truncated preparation time. "We know the concepts."

Unfortunately, Carolina will be without cornerback Jaycee Horn, who is coming off a two-interception performance on Monday night. However, he sat out the second half in concussion protocol and is one of five Panthers who will not play on Sunday. Linebacker Claudin Cherelus also is in the protocol and has been declared out for the game along with center Cade Mays (ankle), linebacker Christian Rozeboom (hip, hamstring) and guard Chandler Zavala (calf).

Further complicating the Panthers' issues in the secondary is the absence of safety Tre'von Moehrig, who was suspended one game for striking San Francisco's Jauan Jennings in the groin area Monday night. Carolina lost cornerback Corey Thornton for the rest of the season because he sustained a broken leg Monday.

The Panthers brought on cornerback Robert Rochell off Dallas' practice squad and added cornerback David Long Jr. to their practice squad.

"They've got to come help us out," Canales said. "They've got to contribute."

The Rams had good news on their injury updates with receiver Tutu Atwell and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon expected to come off injured reserve to play this week, coach Sean McVay said.

"Our offensive coaching staff have done a really good job of highlighting a bunch of different people, and getting Tutu back into the mix is going to be another opportunity for them to do that," McVay said.

Even with Rams linebacker Byron Young (knee) out of Wednesday's practice, he should play Sunday, McVay said. Tight end Nick Vannett was signed off the practice squad.

There could be familiarity between the teams as ex-Rams safeties/secondary coach Ejiro Evero is Carolina's defensive coordinator.

Los Angeles has allowed a league-low 16.3 points per game. The Panthers have had single-digit point totals in each of their last three losses.

Young is very much aware of the pass rush that the Rams unleash.

"Individually, they do a great job of creating 1-on-1s, winning those 1-on-1s," he said. "They've been able to do that all year. It's going to be a great challenge for us."

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The Paur Report

Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 13

Player Notes
Rico Dowdle Dec 1 11:40am CT
Rico Dowdle

Rico Dowdle rushed for only 58 yards on 18 carries during Week 13's 31-28 upset win over the Los Angeles Rams. The Carolina RB also added 21 receiving yards on two receptions, totaling 9.9 PPR points. It was the first time since Weeks 7-8 that Dowdle ended back-to-back games with less than 12 PPR points. For the first time since being named the starting RB in Week 9, Dowdle was outplayed by Chuba Hubbard, who registered 20.4 PPR points on 124 scrimmage yards and a receiving touchdown. The workload between the two RBs was split, and Hubbard took the most snaps (59%). In Week 15, Dowdle and the Panthers face the New Orleans Saints for the second time this season after a bye. In the last four weeks leading up to Week 13, the Saints ranked 13th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to RBs. During the Panthers' prior game against New Orleans in Week 10, Dowdle finished with 63 scrimmage yards and a rushing TD. With the possibility of Dowdle now being in a timeshare with Hubbard, he cannot be regarded as a must-start player regardless of matchup anymore. But he should still be a good start against the Saints, because the surprising Panthers may totally control the flow of the matchup. If Carolina rolls to a big win, you should see Dowdle get into the end zone at least once.

From RotoBaller

Tetairoa McMillan Dec 1 11:40am CT
Tetairoa McMillan

Tetairoa McMillan wasn't very busy in Week 13, but still made a notable impact in the Panthers' stunning 31-28 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. The rookie WR was targeted just twice, his lowest target count of the season. However, McMillan caught a 43-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter that proved to be the game-clinching score. McMillan has now caught TD passes in three consecutive games, and he finished Week 13 with 11.3 PPR points. In Week 15, after a bye, Carolina will face the New Orleans Saints in a Week 10 rematch. In the first meeting against the Saints, McMillan finished with 60 yards on five receptions. New Orleans ranked 20th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to WRs in the four weeks leading up to Week 13. Although he did not see much volume in Week 13, McMillan has a favorable matchup in Week 15, where he is likely to see more targets. Due to his solid fantasy floor this season, McMillan is worth considering as a WR3 or flex start.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette Dec 1 11:40am CT
Xavier Legette

Xavier Legette logged another quiet performance in Carolina's Week 13 surprising triumph over the Los Angeles Rams. The Carolina WR caught one of his two targets for one yard. This is the second time in the last four weeks that Legette finished a game with fewer than 10 yards. The Panthers will be up against New Orleans for the second time this season in Week 15 after a bye. In the last four weeks leading up to Week 13, the Saints ranked 20th in Fantasy Points Per Game Allowed to WRs. Legette registered no fantasy points vs. the Saints in Week 10 and was targeted only once. The second-year wide receiver has finished with less than 5.0 PPR points over four of the last six weeks. It is apparent that Legette has no statistical floor, and he should not be rostered heading into the fantasy football playoffs.

From RotoBaller

Adam Thielen Dec 1 11:40am CT
Adam Thielen

The Minnesota Vikings announced on Monday that they have waived wide receiver Adam Thielen. The 35-year-old wideout's role on offense in Minnesota had been dropping since their bye back in Week 6. The Vikings will now part ways with Thielen after they made him a healthy scratch for Sunday's blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13. With Thielen out of the picture for the rest of the year in a lost season for the Vikings, it will give Tai Felton and Myles Price more chances to contribute as depth options behind Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor. However, with second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) injured and struggling mightily in what is essentially his rookie season, all of Minnesota's pass-catchers have taken a big hit to their fantasy stock in 2025. In 11 games back with the Vikes this year, Thielen only produced eight catches on 18 targets for 69 yards and no touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

Mitchell Evans Dec 1 11:40am CT
Mitchell Evans

Mitchell Evans caught all three of his targets for 20 yards and totaled 5.0 PPR points. The Carolina TE played on 53% of snaps in Week 13, his highest percentage since Week 6. In 13 games played this season, Evans has averaged 3.1 PPR points per game. After a bye, Carolina will face the New Orleans Saints for the second time in 2025 in Week 15. Over the last four weeks leading up to Week 13, the Saints ranked 19th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to TEs. When the Panthers last faced New Orleans, Evans was a non-factor, failing to catch his only target. Although the matchup is favorable for TEs, none of the Carolina TEs should be rostered during the fantasy football playoffs. Evans has been targeted more than once in a game four times this year.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Dec 1 11:40am CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday that "it's a possibility" that wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) could start doing more and practice this week, according to the Pewter Report. Evans remains on Injured Reserve after breaking his collarbone back in Week 7, but reports over the weekend suggested that he could return as early as Week 14 versus the division-rival New Orleans Saints if he has a good week of practice. It would be a huge addition for Tampa's offense as they battle to win the NFC South division. Evans, a six-time Pro Bowler with 11 1,000-yard seasons in his career, apparently has healed quickly from a clean collarbone break, and he could be an asset for fantasy managers in the playoffs from Weeks 15-17. In four games before getting hurt, he had 14 catches for 140 yards and one touchdown on 32 targets. Pick Evans up now off the waiver wire if he's available.

From RotoBaller

Devin Neal Dec 1 11:30am CT
Devin Neal

New Orleans Saints rookie running back Devin Neal made the first start of his NFL career in Sunday's 21-17 loss to the hosting Miami Dolphins in Week 13. Neal handled a team-high 14 carries for 47 yards (3.4 yards per tote) while also adding three catches on three targets for an additional 22 yards through the air. The 22-year-old got the opportunity after veteran Alvin Kamara (knee) suffered an MCL sprain in last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Neal played a season-high 82% of the offensive snaps, with Evan Hull seeing five rushing attempts as his backup. Although his production wasn't exactly head-turning on Sunday, Neal deserves more attention on the waiver wire this week (he's rostered in 57% of Yahoo leagues) since there's a good chance Kamara will miss more time. Neal will be at least an RB3/flex in fantasy in Week 14 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers if Kamara is out again.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Dec 1 11:20am CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. saw a steady increase in workload during Week 13's 20-17 win over the visiting Arizona Cardinals, reeling in 3-of-5 passes for 78 yards. The veteran saw a decent uptick in snap share this past weekend, eclipsing 50% of plays, and notching a team- and season-high with his yardage total. It's an encouraging outing for Godwin Jr., who has spent most of the season battling ankle and fibula injuries. He should continue to see his involvement rise over the coming weeks as he's further removed from the latter, and may hold some fantasy value yet down the stretch. The Penn State product's roster percentage is at one of its lowest rates in years, so now is a good time for fantasy managers to buy back in, particularly with a solid matchup in the New Orleans Saints slated for Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Dec 1 11:20am CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) has not played since breaking his collarbone in Week 7 and is on Injured Reserve, but he could be a factor for fantasy managers in the fantasy playoffs, which typically run from Weeks 15-17. The Buccaneers originally were optimistic that the 32-year-old veteran and future Hall of Famer would be able to return before the end of the regular season because of the fact that he suffered a clean break of his collarbone. Reports over the weekend suggested that Evans could even return as early as the team's Week 14 game on Sunday, Dec. 7, against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Evans is currently rostered in only 58% of fantasy leagues, so if your team has a shot at playing beyond Week 14, he's someone to seriously consider picking up and stashing for the stretch run.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Dec 1 11:20am CT
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) has been out since breaking his collarbone way back in Week 2, but he's been practicing in recent weeks and figures to be activated from Injured Reserve to make his return for a crucial Week 14 divisional clash against the Chicago Bears this weekend. The Packers will most likely ease Reed back onto the field after his long layoff due to a broken collarbone and after having surgery for a broken foot, but the 25-year-old is definitely deserving of being stashed in fantasy leagues for managers who have a shot at competing in the playoffs. Reed is widely available in Yahoo leagues, as he's only rostered in 38% of leagues heading into Week 14. Green Bay has a vast array of wideouts that they rotate on game days, but Reed has scored 18 total touchdowns in 35 career games and should have a key role once he's back up to speed following his injuries.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Dec 1 11:00am CT
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce posted a nice bounce-back effort in Sunday's 20-16 home loss to the Houston Texans, coralling 4-of-5 looks for 78 yards and a touchdown. The former Cincinnati Bearcat was a letdown in a tough Week 12 meeting with the Chiefs, but he rewarded fantasy managers who stuck with him this past weekend and remains a critical piece of the Colts' attack. Pierce's TD -- his second of the campaign -- was another impressive downfield contested catch. While it may be difficult for him to surpass his career-high in touchdowns (seven) with only five games remaining, the 25-year-old is well on his way to smashing the rest of his personal bests. Currently, Pierce is still available in over 40% of leagues, and is a top waiver-wire target for fantasy managers in need of aid at the WR position.

From RotoBaller

Sauce Gardner Dec 1 10:50am CT
Sauce Gardner

Indianapolis Colts defensive back Sauce Gardner (calf) is considered week-to-week after injuring his calf in Sunday's 20-16 loss to their division-rival Houston Texans, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Gardner was forced out of Week 13's home clash early due to a non-contact injury, so the fact that it's just a sprain is excellent news for the team. However, the issue is considered "mild," and the "hope" is that the fourth-year pro will be able to return by the end of the regular season, Rapoport notes. For now, teammates Mekhi Blackmon and Jaylon Jones figure to see increased playing time in Gardner's stead. While he'll miss some time, it's fortunate that the 25-year-old avoided a significant injury.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Coker Dec 1 10:40am CT
Jalen Coker

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker was a bright spot for the team in their rain-soaked 31-28 win against the visiting Los Angeles Rams, compiling a 4/74/1 line on six targets. The second-year pro was a key contributor in the upset victory, posting team-highs across the board, while snagging his first touchdown of the campaign. Since returning from a quad injury seven games ago, Coker has racked up 18 receptions and 224 yards (25 targets). The numbers are modest at best, although he's just 63 receiving yards behind teammate Xavier Legette, who is only ten catches ahead of him despite making four more appearances. Quarterback Bryce Young has been up and down, but he looked good on Sunday in a tough matchup with less-than-ideal conditions, and Coker has displayed explosiveness getting off the line. He's firmly on the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

John Metchie III Dec 1 10:20am CT
John Metchie III

New York Jets wide receiver John Metchie III may have been a disappointment for fantasy in Week 13, but he's still trending positively with the team's offensive attack finally gaining some traction in the campaign. The 25-year-old continued his heavy utilization in New York's 27-24 home win over the Atlanta Falcons, nabbing 4-of-8 passes for 19 yards. It isn't what managers expected, particularly after Metchie III strung together two double-digit fantasy-point outings. Even with the down game, though, the usage was there, and veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor has been a decent boost for the Jets' offense, making the former Houston Texan a decent prospective waiver claim. Teammate Garrett Wilson (knee) may return in two weeks, but Metchie III looks to be carving out a solid role with his new team. He'll get the Dolphins at home in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Dec 1 10:10am CT
Jordan Mason

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason has recorded single-digit touches in each of his last four games. However, the 26-year-old may step into a much more prominent role going forward after fellow Vikings back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) suffered a shoulder injury during the team's Week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Across the four games that Jones Sr. missed earlier this season with a hamstring injury, Mason recorded 301 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 66 touches. Minnesota's offense as a whole has spiraled downwards in recent weeks, recording six points combined over its last two games. However, Minnesota could get quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) back in Week 14, and the Vikings have a far more favorable matchup against the Washington Commanders. If Jones Sr. is forced to miss time, Mason would have starting fantasy appeal in Week 14. He's worth targeting on the waiver wire even if more clarity around Jones Sr.'s status does not come until later in the week.

From RotoBaller

Bhayshul Tuten Dec 1 10:00am CT
Bhayshul Tuten

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten recorded his fifth touchdown of the season in his team's Week 13 win over the Tennessee Titans, but he recorded just 19 scrimmage yards on nine touches. After his breakout 74-yard game in Week 11, Tuten has now been held under 20 scrimmage yards in back-to-back weeks. The 23-year-old has flashed upside throughout the year, but he remains firmly behind Travis Etienne Jr. in the Jaguars backfield pecking order. Still, Tuten has scored three touchdowns in his last five games and would immediately profile as a must-start fantasy running back if Etienne Jr. were to suffer an injury. Tuten's standalone value is as a low-end flex, at best. However, he's worth targeting on the waiver wire as a priority handcuff option heading into Jacksonville's Week 14 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Zonovan Knight Dec 1 9:50am CT
Zonovan Knight

Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight recorded 98 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 14 touches in his team's Week 13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Knight has now recorded double-digit touches in five out of his last six games and scored a touchdown in each of the last three weeks. Arizona should get running backs Trey Benson (knee) and Emari Demercado (ankle) back from injury in the coming weeks, which will likely impact Knight's playing time. However, neither back is guaranteed to play in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. Even if one or both of Benson and Demercado return, Knight may have done enough in their absence to remain in a flex-worthy role. The 24-year-old has proven capable as both a rusher and receiver, hauling in 11 catches on 12 targets over his last three games. In fantasy leagues where he's still available, Knight is a must-add waiver-wire running back heading into Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Monangai Dec 1 9:40am CT
Kyle Monangai

Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai delivered a statement performance in his team's massive Week 13 win over the Philadelphia Eagles, recording 130 rushing yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. Monangai has been stealing touches away from veteran Bears back D'Andre Swift for multiple weeks, but Week 13 may signal a more permanent shift in the Chicago backfield. Monangai has now earned more carries than Swift in back-to-back weeks, although it's worth noting that Swift also dominated against Philadelphia with 125 rushing yards and a touchdown on 18 attempts. Monangai's ceiling is limited by his lack of receiving work, as he's failed to record a catch in three out of his last four games. Still, the rookie is averaging 4.9 yards per carry this season and appears to be emerging as the lead rusher in an increasingly impressive Chicago offense. Monangai is a must-add player off the waiver wire in fantasy leagues where he remains available heading into a Week 14 showdown against the Green Bay Packers.

From RotoBaller

Adonai Mitchell Dec 1 9:30am CT
Adonai Mitchell

New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell had a breakout game in his team's Week 13 win over the Atlanta Falcons, recording eight catches for 102 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets. Since being acquired by the Jets in early November, Mitchell has established himself as a key piece in the team's offense. Across his last three games, the 23-year-old has earned 25 targets. Mitchell has also played at least 85% of New York's offensive snaps in each of the last two weeks. With star Jets wideout Garrett Wilson (knee) on Injured Reserve through at least Week 14, Mitchell should continue to have opportunities to contribute. Mitchell should be a priority target on the waiver wire for fantasy managers heading into his Week 14 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Dec 1 9:20am CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (hand) has been diagnosed with a metacarpal fracture in his left hand, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Herbert suffered the fracture during his team's Week 13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders and was able to finish the game after a brief absence. Rapoport reports that Herbert is scheduled to undergo surgery, but that the plan is for him to be active for the Chargers' Week 14 Monday Night Football matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Herbert completed 15 of 20 pass attempts for 151 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception against Las Vegas. If Herbert were to suffer a setback or be unable to play in Week 14, backup quarterback Trey Lance would be in line to start for the Chargers against the Eagles. For now, fantasy managers should proceed as though Herbert will play, although he likely won't be at full strength.

From RotoBaller