The Carolina Panthers have not had an ideal 2024 NFL season thus far, but their players can still win you games in fantasy football. At 1-7, the Panthers are sellers as we approach the trade deadline, and we have already seen Diontae Johnson head to the Baltimore Ravens.
That said, they will certainly give their NFC South rivals, the New Orleans Saints, a game on Sunday and given how the Saints’ defense has looked in recent weeks, anything is possible. Let’s take a look at the Panthers’ main weapons in Week 9:
Panthers Week 9 Fantasy Outlooks
Bryce Young, QB
Bryce Young has been involved in trade rumors himself of late, but at present is set to start for Carolina against the Saints. Young is coming off his best fantasy performance of the season (13.56 points), having thrown for 224 yards, 2 TDs and 2 INTs in the 28-14 loss to Denver.
Even though New Orleans has been porous defensively, Young doesn’t profile to be a QB worth taking a chance on in fantasy just yet and should be used only as a last resort.
Bryce Young’s points range: 3-17; Prediction: 13.5
Chuba Hubbard, RB
Chuba Hubbard is arguably the best weapon the Panthers have in fantasy terms at the moment, and the RB has been putting up consistent points this season. While he does see Miles Sanders take some of his snaps, Hubbard gets the lion’s share as the RB1 and is the only Panthers RB you should start in fantasy.
The Saints have allowed a lot of points to running backs this season, averaging 25.65 fantasy points per game to the position, which ranks 25th in the NFL. It was against them that Javonte Williams had his breakout game in Week 7.
This is a good game to start Chuba Hubbard, and while a poor game script could hurt his numbers, he is the best bet on the team to get in the endzone.
Chuba Hubbard’s points range: 6-20; Prediction: 14
Xavier Legette & Jalen Coker, WRs
Xavier Legette is set to be the prime beneficiary of Diontae Johnson’s trade to the Ravens and put up solid numbers against Denver as the WR1. Legette’s touchdown papered over a rough day, as he caught four passes (7 targets) for 34 yards, recording 12.40 points (HPPR).
Given Legette is the WR1, if he is cleared to play he could have solid WR2 or flex value, but only for teams in a pinch due to injuries or byes. However, Legette did appear on the Panthers’ injury report on Thursday with a toe injury, so is questionable to play at present.
Jalen Coker had the best day of the Carolina receiving corps in Week 8, finishing with four catches for 78 yards and a TD against the Broncos. His 15.80 points (HPPR) certainly make him one to keep an eye on, but until he does it again he shouldn’t be started in fantasy. He is certainly worth a pickup in bigger leagues, but it would be a risk to start him against the Saints.
Xavier Legette’s points range: 6-18; Prediction: 11
Jalen Coker’s points range: 3-16; Prediction: 7.5
Tommy Tremble, TE
While some teams are good at utilizing their tight ends and turning them into fantasy weapons, the Carolina Panthers aren’t among them. Tremble is the main receiving TE threat in Carolina, but his numbers don’t inspire enough confidence to plug him into your lineup.
Tremble has 9 receptions for 72 yards and a fumble lost to his name, good for 9.70 points in HPPR leagues.