This Week 4 showdown between the New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers is quietly one of the more balanced matchups on the slate. Both teams are sitting at 1-2, but each could easily be 2-1 if a few plays had gone the other way.
Drake Maye is ready to shine in the homecoming game vs. the Carolina Panthers
The Patriots’ early-season struggles stem from turnovers and inconsistent wide receiver play, while the Panthers remain a young squad full of talent that hasn’t quite put all the pieces together. From a fantasy perspective, there are hidden gems to target here, along with a few big names you’ll want to leave on the bench.
🔥 Start ’Em
- Drake Maye (QB, Patriots)
- Maye has had a sneaky productive start to his rookie year. He’s consistently thrown for 230+ yards per game and already has 5 touchdowns through the air. What makes him an even stronger fantasy option is his rushing upside—he’s added 75 yards on the ground and a rushing TD so far. Against a young Panthers secondary that has struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks, Maye is a strong start in Superflex or deeper one-QB leagues.
- Projected Stats: 245 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 32 rushing yards
- Hunter Henry (TE, Patriots)
- One of the bright spots in New England’s passing game, Henry has quickly emerged as Maye’s go-to weapon. He currently leads the team in targets (24) and red zone looks (5) through three games. In a week where tight end options are thin, Henry is a top-10 play with touchdown potential.
- Projected Stats: 6 receptions, 58 yards, 1 TD
- Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Panthers)
- The rookie sensation has wasted no time establishing himself as Bryce Young’s No. 1 receiver. Averaging 9 targets per game, McMillan has shown the route-running savvy and contested-catch ability of a seasoned vet. Against the Patriots, expect him to see heavy volume again as Carolina’s offense tries to get in rhythm. Projected Stats: 8 receptions, 80 yards, 1 TD
- Chuba Hubbard (RB, Panthers)
- While not flashy, Hubbard continues to carve out a reliable flex role. He’s averaging 15+ touches per game and contributes in the passing attack. With the Patriots’ defense focused on slowing down Bryce Young, Hubbard should see plenty of dump-off opportunities and red zone carries.
- Projected Stats: 68 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 15 yards, 1 TD
❄️ Sit ’Em
- TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Patriots)
- Fantasy managers were hoping for an early breakout, but Henderson just hasn’t delivered. He’s averaging under 3.5 yards per carry and hasn’t surpassed 40 rushing yards in any game so far. With ball-security issues plaguing Rhamondre Stevenson, Henderson may see chances eventually, but for now, keep him on the bench.
- Projected Stats: 28 rushing yards, 1 reception, 6 yards
- Rico Dowdle (RB, Panthers)
- Yes, he found the end zone last week, but that was in garbage time during a blowout win. Unless Carolina jumps out to a big early lead, Dowdle’s workload won’t be trustworthy enough for fantasy relevance. Keep him on the sideline.
- Projected Stats: 22 rushing yards, 0 TDs
- Stefon Diggs (WR, Patriots)
- So far, Diggs’ move to New England hasn’t translated into fantasy success. He’s averaging just 42 yards per game with no touchdowns, and his target share has dipped compared to his Buffalo days. Until he proves he can be a consistent WR2, Diggs belongs on your bench.
- Projected Stats: 4 receptions, 47 yards
🌙 Sleeper Pick
- Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE, Panthers)
- The rookie tight end wasn’t needed much in last week’s blowout win, but this week should be different. Sanders has shown flashes, including a 7-target, 65-yard performance earlier this season. With the Patriots likely tightening coverage on McMillan, Sanders could be a sneaky play, especially in PPR formats.
- Projected Stats: 5 receptions, 54 yards
Recap
This matchup is all about young quarterbacks and emerging talent. Drake Maye and Bryce Young are both still growing, but their favorite weapons—Hunter Henry, Tet McMillan, and potentially Ja’Tavion Sanders—should see plenty of opportunities. Hubbard is the safest flex option, while fading names like Henderson, Dowdle, and even Stefon Diggs makes sense until roles become clearer.
Expect a competitive game where the young stars continue to rise, but turnovers and defensive adjustments will ultimately decide the outcome.
