The New Orleans Saints travel to Charlotte to face the Carolina Panthers in Week 10. Both offenses rank among the bottom six in the NFL in points per game, but this matchup still offers a few intriguing fantasy options.

Rico Dowdle, RB, Panthers – RB1

Dowdle took control of the Carolina backfield when Chuba Hubbard went down with an injury. He responded by producing 473 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in two Panthers victories. Even with Hubbard healthy, Dowdle continues to dominate touches.

Advertisement

The Saints rank in the bottom 10 in rushing yards allowed and just gave up 172 yards and a score to Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. With volume on his side and a favorable matchup, Dowdle profiles as a strong RB1 this week.

Chris Olave, WR, Saints – WR2/FLEX

Olave struggled in Week 9 but is poised for a rebound. With Tyler Shough making his second career start, expect an improved offensive showing against a Panthers defense far less formidable than the Rams’.

Following Rashid Shaheed’s trade, Olave is the clear-cut No. 1 target in this offense. Carolina limits wide receiver touchdowns but allows steady volume, making Olave a safer play in PPR formats as a low-end WR2 or FLEX.

Advertisement

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Panthers – FLEX

The rookie wideout has flashed potential but remains inconsistent, recording under 50 yards in four of nine games and scoring only twice (both in one outing).

McMillan draws a plus matchup against a Saints secondary that has struggled against bigger receivers. Given New Orleans’ vulnerability to wideout touchdowns, McMillan has a solid chance to find the end zone for the third time this season. He is a high ceiling FLEX play this week.

Juwan Johnson, TE, Saints – Borderline TE1

Johnson is the Saints’ second-leading receiver after the trade of Rashid Shaheed. After beginning the season as one of the elite fantasy tight ends, his production and overall usage fell off a cliff. He saw a snap share of at least 90% in Weeks 1 through 4. He has been on the field in just 73% of the offensive plays over the last four weeks.

Advertisement

With rookie quarterback Tyler Shough under center, Johnson has recorded six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown over the last five quarters. With a young quarterback and the lack of an obvious No. 2 wide receiver, I expect Johnson’s usage to tick up closer to what it was at the start of the year.

The Panthers have allowed the fifth most receiving yards to tight ends this season. Juwan Johnson is not the flashiest play, and offers risk that comes with catching passes from a rookie quarterback. He is a fringe TE1/TE2 this week and is an excellent play if you need a tight end due to injury or bye week.