The Bills were stunned by the Falcons before the bye and now face another hot NFC South team in the Panthers, who have quietly climbed to 4-2. Buffalo hopes the bye week helped them regroup and refocus, while Carolina looks to make a statement win on the road with Andy Dalton starting.
🔥 Quick Start Table
| Team | Start ‘Em 🔥 | Sit ‘Em 🚫 | Flex/Sleeper 😴 |
| Bills | Josh Allen, James Cook | — | Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid |
| Panthers | Tet McMillian | — | Rico Dowdle, Chuba Hubbard |
💙 Buffalo Bills
Start — Josh Allen (QB)
Allen enters the week with 1,400 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, and while Carolina’s defense has played well recently, Allen’s dual-threat ability always makes him a must-start. Expect 230+ passing yards, 2+ total scores, and his usual chunk plays on the ground. Buffalo should handle business coming off the bye.
Start — James Cook (RB)
Cook has been quietly efficient, averaging 5 yards per carry and finding the end zone five times in seven games. The Bills will likely lean on him early to set the tone. Expect around 80 total yards and a touchdown in this one.
Flex 💪 — Khalil Shakir (WR)
Shakir has emerged as Allen’s most reliable week-to-week receiver. His route consistency and ability to find soft spots in coverage make him a solid flex option, especially in PPR leagues. Pencil him in for 60+ yards and a score if the game script leans pass-heavy.
Sleeper — Dalton Kincaid (TE)
Kincaid leads the team in receptions, though Allen’s spread-it-around style limits his ceiling. Still, his 3 TDs on the season and red-zone chemistry with Allen make him a sneaky streaming option. If he scores, he’s a top-10 tight end for the week.
Receivers with Good and Bad Matchups: Week 8 – Sean Settle via football guys.com
🖤 Carolina Panthers
Start 💪 — Tet McMillian (WR)
The rookie wideout continues to show flashes of star potential. He racks up big plays in chunks, though the touchdowns haven’t followed yet. If he finds the end zone, he’ll easily return WR2 value. A solid flex play with upside.
Flex 💪 — Rico Dowdle & Chuba Hubbard (RBs)
Both backs have carved out meaningful roles in Carolina’s rotation. Dowdle tends to get the early-down and goal-line work, while Hubbard has value in passing situations. Either can return flex value this week — and one of them should find paydirt.
🔮 Final Takeaway
The Bills will look to get back on track after the bye, but this Panthers team is no pushover. Expect Allen to make just enough plays to lead Buffalo past a feisty Carolina squad in what could quietly become one of the week’s most competitive matchups.
