The New Orleans Saints (1-8) travel to Bank of America Stadium to take on the Carolina Panthers (5-4) on Sunday, November 9, 2025, in a critical NFC South matchup for both teams. For fantasy football managers,
this game presents a tricky landscape, particularly with the struggling Saints’ offense and a resurgent Panthers defense. Here is a breakdown of the key fantasy point values and considerations for Week 10.
Top Tier Must-Starts
These players hold the highest fantasy value, though their upside may be capped by the overall game environment.
Rico Dowdle (Panthers RB): Dowdle has become a legitimate fantasy workhorse, ranking high in the NFL in rushing despite only three starts. With the Saints’ offense sputtering, Carolina is likely to lean heavily on the run to control the game. He’s an RB1/strong RB2, especially if his quad injury (limited practice) doesn’t limit him.
Chris Olave (Saints WR): Olave remains the target hog for New Orleans, even with the switch to QB Tyler Shough. He is volume-dependent but has shown a high floor thanks to his target share. Start him as a reliable WR2, anticipating a decent catch total.
Mid-Tier Flex Plays & Risky Starts
These players are best suited for your flex spot, offering a mix of recent opportunity and potential game script concerns.
Alvin Kamara (Saints RB): Kamara is dealing with an ankle injury (limited practice) and hasn’t had a 100-yard scrimmage game since Week 2. He’s also seen a diminished role in the passing game with Devin Neal stepping up. Kamara’s legendary goal-line work is non-existent this year (scoreless since Week 1). Consider him a Volume-Based RB2/Flex with a concerning downside.
Bryce Young (Panthers QB): Young has managed four straight wins but has yet to show significant fantasy upside, clearing 200 passing yards only once this season. The Panthers will likely stick to their run-heavy, defensive game script. Only stream him if you are truly desperate, keeping your expectations low (projected around 15.0 fantasy points).
Juwan Johnson (Saints TE): Johnson has been a bright spot, ranking as the TE15 in fantasy points per game and having five TE1 performances. His consistent target share (17.5%) and red-zone looks make him a solid mid-range TE streamer, even with the QB change.
Brandin Cooks & Devaughn Vele (Saints WRs): With the trade of deep threat Rashid Shaheed, Cooks steps into the clear No. 2 role and Vele to No. 3. This opens up volume opportunity, making Cooks a speculative deep-league Flex and Vele a watch-list player, though both carry high risk with the anemic Saints offense.
Defense/Special Teams (D/ST) Streamer of the Week
Carolina Panthers D/ST: Must-Start D/ST. The Saints’ offense is in a state of crisis. They managed a historically low 40 offensive plays in Tyler Shough’s first start, they lost starting C Erik McCoy and RT Taliese Fuaga to injury, and they traded away LG Trevor Penning. The Panthers’ defense is set up for a dominant day with likely sacks, turnovers, and low points allowed.
Key Injury Updates to Monitor
Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the game-day status of these players:
Saints RB Alvin Kamara (Ankle): Limited in practice. A downgrade to Out would instantly elevate Devin Neal’s value.
Panthers RB Rico Dowdle (Quadricep): Limited in practice after a DNP. If he is limited or out, Chuba Hubbard becomes a strong emergency RB play.
Saints T Taliese Fuaga (Ankle): Did Not Practice (DNP) and is expected to miss multiple weeks. This is a massive blow to the already struggling Saints offensive line, boosting the outlook for the Panthers D/ST.
The Verdict: This is a game where you want to lean into the players with clear volume (Olave) or those benefiting from a favorable game script (Dowdle). The Panthers D/ST is the best play in this matchup.
How does your Fantasy line-up look this week? Let us know in the comments below.
