The NFC South is chaotic, and both the Falcons and the Panthers enter this matchup in full must-win mode to keep their seasons alive. These teams know each other well, and the outcome will come down to which version of the Panthers shows up. Fantasy managers, however, can count on a few players delivering in this divisional battle.
Quick Start Meter (0 = Sit, 10 = Must-Start)
| Player | Team | Start Meter | Outlook |
| Michael Penix Jr. | ATL | 8/10 | Volume + TD upside vs struggling CAR secondary |
| Bijan Robinson | ATL | 9.5/10 | Dream matchup vs collapsing run defense |
| Drake London | ATL | 8.5/10 | WR1 volume with scoring momentum |
| Kyle Pitts (FLEX) | ATL | 6.5/10 | Target share makes him flex-safe |
| Tyler Allgeier (Sleeper FLEX) | ATL | 5.5/10 | Risk/reward TD-dependent play |
| Rico Dowdle | CAR | 7.5/10 | Hot-hand RB with goal-line upside |
| Tet McMillian | CAR | 7/10 | Emerging WR with mismatch potential |
| Darnell Mooney | CAR | 3/10 | Volume ≠production |
| Xavier Legette | CAR | 3/10 | Struggling due to injuries + QB play |
| Bryce Young | CAR | 2.5/10 | Too many question marks in current form |
Start ’Em for Falcons vs. Panthers
Michael Penix Jr. — QB, Falcons
Penix has thrown 4 touchdowns over his last two games, and his confidence is trending up. Carolina’s secondary has been inconsistent, and Atlanta should give him volume in a must-win situation.
Projection: 220+ yards and at least one score.
If he continues using Kyle Pitts, the offense becomes even more dangerous.
Bijan Robinson — RB, Falcons
The Panthers have been atrocious against the run in the last three weeks, giving up chunk gains and red-zone lanes to even mediocre backfields. Bijan is set up for a monster fantasy day.
Projection: 100+ total yards, strong TD chance.
Drake London — WR, Falcons
London erupted last week versus the Colts and now draws another physically gifted corner in a matchup that should be great theatre. He’s trending like a weekly WR1.
Projection: 80+ yards and a touchdown.
Panthers rule out Trevin Wallace; Rico Dowdle is set to play – Josh Alter via Yahoo Sports
Rico Dowdle — RB, Panthers
Carolina finally leaned into the hot hand, and Dowdle rewarded them. He runs hard, finishes through contact, and has a legitimate shot at a score in this matchup.
Projection: 60–80 total yards with red-zone upside.
Tet McMillian — WR, Panthers
Tet is coming into his own—tall, athletic, and showing flashes similar to Drake London’s early development. Young needs to find him more near the goal line, and this could be the week it happens.
Projection: 50–70 yards with scoring potential.
Flex ’Em
💪 Kyle Pitts — TE/FLEX, Falcons
He’s probably sitting on benches everywhere, but the usage says he shouldn’t be. Pitts continues to draw 5–6 targets a game, and with Penix relying on him more, this is a solid flex week.
Projection: 70+ yards.
Why Tyler Allgeier is Falcons’ quiet superstar on offense – Terrin Weack via atlantafalcons.com
💪 Tyler Allgeier — RB/FLEX, Falcons (Sleeper)
Allgeier is the definition of a risky flex, but after punching in two scores last week and with Carolina struggling so badly against the run, he’s worth consideration in bye-week or injury crunches.
Projection: TD-dependent RB3.
Sit ’Em
Darnell Mooney — WR, Panthers
The targets are there, but the production is not. Mooney continues to underperform and remains low-ceiling even in favorable scripts. Carolina should start funneling more looks toward Pitts-type mismatches, not Mooney.
Verdict: Sit.
Xavier Legette — WR, Panthers
Legette’s year has been derailed by injuries and poor separation. Being the WR2 in this offense should help, but inconsistent QB play has tanked his weekly value.
Verdict: Sit unless in a very deep league.
Bryce Young — QB, Panthers
There’s still talent, but right now there are too many question marks around Young’s development and decision-making. He’s best left on the bench until further notice.
Verdict: Sit in all 1-QB leagues.
