Game Overview ::
By Mike johnson >>
- Carolina is coming off a bye week and enters Week 15 tied for the NFC South lead with the Bucs, who they play twice in the last three weeks.
- The Panthers backfield has evolved into a full-blown committee with Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle splitting the touches for their run-based offense.
- New Orleans is 2-2 with rookie QB Tyler Shough as their starter, including a victory in Carolina just a few weeks ago.
- Saints running back Alvin Kamara appears likely to miss another game, leaving rookie Devin Neal in a workhorse role.
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How carolina Will Try To Win ::
This isn’t rocket science. Only the Jets run the ball at a higher rate relative to expectation than the Panthers, who are even more likely to operate with this approach now that both of their dynamic running backs are healthy and playing well. Yes, you heard that right. I called Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle dynamic in the year 2025. They have earned it, however. Dowdle’s run earlier this season when Hubbard was out was incredible, and he only really slowed down as the huge workload started to take its toll. Likewise, Hubbard was a revelation in 2024 as the lone bright spot on a putrid offense, and his ability to shine in that offensive environment was very impressive. After battling early season injuries, Hubbard is back to full health and had his best game of the year in Week 13, while both backs should be fresh coming out of the team’s Week 14 bye. The last time we saw Carolina in action, they were pulling off an upset over the Rams in which Dowdle and Hubbard combined for 37 touches while Bryce Young attempted only 20 passes. We should expect that trend to continue as long as the game script allows it to, which this week projects to not be an issue.
When the Panthers do throw the ball, their primary option is rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, whose production has been up and down, but he is coming on strong in the second half of the season. He has four touchdown receptions in the last three games and has two games of 99+ receiving yards in the last six weeks after doing so only once in the first two months of the season. Second-year receivers Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette are the next men up, with Coker serving primarily as a slot receiver and Legette operating as a perimeter option that is used more downfield. Coker is coming off his best game of the season, and both he and Legette have shone at different times, but never in the same week. Ultimately, this is a run-first team whose primary focus will be their backs with McMillan the focal point of their passing game, but they will not force him the ball if other teams scheme him away.
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