Week 12 MNF: Panthers-49ers Preview, Props, Prediction

Mon Nov 24 2:27pm ET
Field Level Media

Week 12 of the regular season closes with an intriguing matchup between a surprising team seeking a statement road win against a franchise trying to prove it still belongs among the NFL's top tier of contenders.

Carolina (6-5) has won five of its past seven games, and a win on Monday night would vault the Panthers into sole possession of first place in the NFC South. The rare primetime game for Carolina comes at San Francisco, with the 49ers (7-4) looking to keep the 9-2 Rams and 8-3 Seahawks within sight in the NFC West.

ODDS & TRENDS

The 49ers are consensus 7.5-point favorites. The line has shifted to 7.0 at BetRivers, where San Francisco has been backed by 74% of the total spread-line bets and 65% of the money. According to the book, the Panthers have covered the spread in 11 of their past 12 games as underdogs against NFC opponents.

The public is expecting a win from San Francisco, whose -420 moneyline has drawn 88% and 92% of the action, respectively.

The total points line is 49.0, with the Over backed by 66% of the money. Of note, five of the 49ers' past six games against NFC teams have gone Over the total points line.

PROP BETS

--49ers QB Brock Purdy 2+ TD Passes (-200 at DraftKings): Purdy threw three TDs passes in his return last week and has multiple TD passes in each of his three games this season. That has led to this being the most popular player prop at the book. Carolina arrives in San Francisco with a mid-tier defense that is allowing 212.8 passing yards and 22.6 points per game.

--49ers TE George Kittle Anytime TD (+102 at BetRivers): Kittle has reached the end zone in three of his past four games and serves as Purdy's security blanked in the red zone.

INSIDE EDGE

San Francisco led the NFL with a 55.1% success rate on offensive plays last week, according to Inside Edge's Remarkable Engine. Meanwhile, Carolina's defense ranked fifth-worst in allowing a 51.7% success rate in Week 11.

KEY STAT

The 49ers' defense has allowed a completion rate of 84% in the red zone and San Francisco is last in the NFL with only 12 sacks on the season -- three fewer than any other team.

THE NEWS

Among the subplots is former Carolina running back Christian McCaffrey, who was traded to San Francisco in 2022.

McCaffrey has rushed for a team-high 707 yards with six touchdowns, while he also leads the 49ers with 74 catches and 732 receiving yards.

"He's even better than you thought," 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said, recalling the trade from the Panthers.

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young set a franchise record with 448 passing yards last week at Atlanta. He was rewarded by being named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week. Because of that, Carolina became the first team this season to have five players receive a weekly league honor.

"All you have to do is watch last week to see what he's capable of," Shanahan said of Young.

INJURY REPORT

Young, who was a full participant all week in practice, dismissed any notable lingering impact from his limping because of an ailing ankle after last Sunday's game.

"Everyone is fighting through something at this point of the year," Young said.

Meanwhile, Purdy was back in action last week after a six-week layoff with a toe injury. So the extra day to recover might be beneficial before the visit from Carolina.

With 49ers linebacker Tatum Bethune out with an injury, Curtis Robinson will move into a starting role.

The 49ers also will have a new kicker because ex-Panther Eddie Pineiro, who was 22-for-22 this year on field goals, is out with an injured right hamstring. Kicker Matt Gay, most recently with the Washington Commanders, was signed.

THEY SAID IT

--"So easy to sell to the team. You don't have to get guys fired up for these types of games. ... You try to preach every game is a championship opportunity so you don't all of a sudden have to get up for Monday Night Football." --Panthers coach Dave Canales

--"You address how important this game is. Especially playing against a team that's in the playoff hunt. I think we understand how important it is to get a back-to-back win." --49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, whose team hasn't won consecutive games since beginning the season 3-0

PREDICTION

The 49ers had a season-high point total in last week's 41-22 victory at Arizona as the offense is as healthy as it has been all season. The Panthers' resurgence is legitimate and they can keep it interesting with San Francisco's defense struggling to apply pressure all season, but a home primetime game against an opponent who could factor into the wild-card picture when all is said and done will get San Francisco's full focus. --49ers 27, Panthers 23

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Five Fantasy Takeaways: Week 12

Player Notes
Brian Thomas Jr. Nov 25 12:00pm CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders and has missed the last three games. However, Thomas is expected to make his return this weekend against the division-rival Tennessee Titans on Sunday, according to Andy Quach of SI.com. It's good news for the Jags' offense, but fantasy managers may want to be cautious about throwing him back into starting lineups immediately. Quach mentions that Jacksonville has been cautious in bringing players back from injury. The second-year wideout is also averaging just 3.8 catches for 52.5 yards per game, and he's scored just once after finding the end zone 10 times as a rookie. Rookie Travis Hunter (knee) is done for the year, but the team added Jakobi Meyers at the trade deadline. Meyers has made an immediate impact, catching 12 passes for 155 yards and a TD in three games, which could limit Thomas' role going forward when he finally returns from his ankle injury.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Nov 25 11:40am CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson has seen his involvement in the Packers' offense and the intent to get him high-leverage targets grow in the last few weeks. In Week 11 against the New York Giants, Watson caught two touchdown passes. Last week against the Vikings, Watson led the Packers in targets with seven, and paced the passing game production with a five-catch, 49-yard stat line. Watson has also led the Packers in air yards over the last three games, showing the intent from head coach and playcaller Matt LaFleur and Packers' quarterback Jordan Love to get the ball downfield, and when they do, prioritizing getting the ball to Watson. When Watson gets an opportunity, it's more often than not going to be in a high-leverage situation, which is great for fantasy managers as he's seemingly supplanted Romeo Doubs as the top receiver for the Packers. Against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, who give up the 11th-most fantasy points to opposing receivers and are a man-based defense that was just shredded by Wan'Dale Robinson's 9-157-1 line this past Sunday, Watson should be a high-upside WR3 for Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Nov 25 11:40am CT
Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that he has "great optimism" that quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) will be able to play on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13, according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I'm comfortable with his general trajectory," Tomlin said. Rodgers suffered a small non-displaced fracture in his left (non-throwing) wrist in the Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals and did not play in Sunday's loss to the Chicago Bears. The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer will be limited in practice to start the week, but he's expected to give it a go this weekend against Buffalo. If Rodgers does play on Sunday, he will likely be wearing a protective brace on his left wrist. Through 12 weeks of the season, Rodgers ranks as the QB28 in fantasy points per game while throwing for 1,969 yards, 19 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The matchup against Buffalo is a good one, but Rodgers will still only be a low-end QB2 in fantasy if he starts.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Nov 25 11:20am CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) said he has been throwing, according to John Keim of ESPN. Daniels started throwing the football around last week, but there remains no clear timetable on when he might return. "If I'm healthy and ready to go, I want to be out there," Daniels said when asked about the possibility of returning this year despite the injury risk. The 24-year-old is expected to resume practicing with the team this week (likely in a limited fashion), but he's not expected to play on Sunday Night Football against the Denver Broncos in Week 13. The second-year QB suffered a dislocation of his left (non-throwing) elbow in Week 9 and has been out since. With the Commanders well out of playoff contention, it remains to be seen if Washington will even consider bringing Daniels back this year. Veteran Marcus Mariota has been starting with Daniels sidelined, and he should make another start this weekend in a tough matchup against the Broncos.

From RotoBaller

Cam Ward Nov 25 11:10am CT
Cam Ward

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cameron Ward completed 28 of 42 pass attempts for 256 yards and a touchdown and added 37 yards and a touchdown on six rushing attempts in his team's Week 12 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. After the game, Titans interim head coach Mike McCoy said that Ward's ability to take what the defense was giving with his legs is the "next part of his growth." The 23-year-old has now rushed for 70 yards over the last two weeks after recording 46 rushing yards over the first nine games of his NFL career. If Ward is going to continue to utilize his legs, it would obviously be a boost to his fantasy value. The rookie has struggled overall this season, but his performance against Seattle in Week 12 could be a sign of a late-season breakout. Ward could profile as a solid fantasy QB2 in Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Alex Singleton Nov 25 10:50am CT
Alex Singleton

Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton (illness) is reportedly "eyeing a return" in his team's Week 13 matchup against the Washington Commanders, per Parker Gabriel of The Denver Post. Singleton had surgery to remove a cancerous testicular tumor on the day after Denver's Week 10 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Remarkably, with the Broncos having their bye in Week 12, it appears Singleton may end up missing just one game. The 31-year-old has recorded 36 solo tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble across 10 games played this season. His return would strengthen what is already one of the NFL's best defenses from top to bottom.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Nov 25 10:40am CT
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce put up a dud in his team's Week 12 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, recording just one catch for 26 yards on two targets. It was a disappointing result for the 25-year-old, as he had been showing signs of a breakout before the team's Week 11 bye. Across nine games this season, Pierce leads the NFL in yards per reception (21.1). At the same time, he's averaging a career-best six targets per game. Across four games before Indianapolis' Week 11 bye, Pierce's target rate had spiked even higher to 8.8 per contest. While Week 12 showcases that Pierce can still have bust weeks, he also holds explosive upside. Pierce should remain a waiver-wire priority in fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams heading into his Week 13 matchup against the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Chuba Hubbard Nov 25 10:40am CT
Chuba Hubbard

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard rushed for 16 yards on three carries in Carolina's 20-9 defeat to the 49ers. He saw more production in the passing game as he caught all four of his targets for 27 yards. The Carolina RB posted 8.3 PPR points, which was his most since Week 8. Hubbard also played the most snaps in a single game this year since Week 8, at 35%. At this point in the season, Hubbard remains a backup RB for the Panthers and is only worth rostering as a fantasy handcuff to Rico Dowdle. Fantasy players who do not have Dowdle, but do have Hubbard, can cut the Panthers' backup RB if he is still on their rosters. He will work on many passing downs for Carolina, but not enough to post quality fantasy totals.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Coker Nov 25 10:40am CT
Jalen Coker

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker caught three of his four targets for 32 yards in the Panthers' 20-9 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Carolina WR totaled 6.2 PPR points, marking the first time he had back-to-back weeks with over 6.0 points. This year's fantasy totals for Coker are still unremarkable, and he has yet to be targeted more than four times in a single game. Carolina is facing the Rams in Week 13. Los Angeles ranks 16th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to the WR position this year. Despite the middling matchup for his position, Coker has not delivered enough quality results this season to be a factor for fantasy lineups. Fantasy players should not even consider picking him up, as his volume is too low to justify a roster spot. No Carolina WR other than Tetairoa McMillan is worth a fantasy roster spot, and Coker has not displayed any unique playmaking abilities that the team desperately needs.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette Nov 25 10:40am CT
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette delivered another underwhelming result in the Panthers' 20-9 defeat in Week 12 to the 49ers. The Carolina WR had three receptions for 22 yards and posted 5.2 PPR points. In 10 games played this season, Legette has logged double-digit PPR points only three times. The Panthers will next take on the Los Angeles Rams, who rank 16th in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to WRs this season. However, Legette has not shown enough promise through the season to take advantage of the decent matchup. Plus, the Los Angeles pass rush may make it a very long day for Carolina QB Bryce Young. Legette registered more than 22 receiving yards only once in the past five weeks. Due to his lack of consistent quality results and volume, fantasy players should continue to leave Legette on their free agent lists.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Allgeier Nov 25 10:40am CT
Tyler Allgeier

Across 11 games this season, Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier has recorded 89 catches for 324 yards and seven touchdowns. As long as star Falcons back Bijan Robinson remains healthy, Allgeier's production upside is limited. However, the Falcons have consistently demonstrated a willingness to use Allgeier in goal-to-go situations, which gives him touchdown-scoring potential every week. Additionally, should Robinson get injured, Allgeier holds fantasy league-winning potential. As the fantasy playoffs draw closer in most leagues, Allgeier is worth rostering for his handcuff upside alone. In the right matchups, such as Atlanta's Week 13 game against the New York Jets, Allgeier has standalone value as a flex option. He should be rostered in all leagues with 12 or more teams heading into Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Nov 25 10:30am CT
Sam Darnold

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold avoided mistakes and delivered another efficient performance in a Week 12 win over the Tennessee Titans, completing 16 of 26 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns. After turning it over seven times in the past two games, Darnold took advantage of a poor Titans defense and put up his best fantasy performance since eviscerating the Washington Commanders for 330 yards and four touchdowns in Week 9. The 28-year-old repeatedly looked for superstar wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba and delivered a few beautiful deep balls for explosive gains, including a 63-yard touchdown. Darnold likely shouldn't be viewed as an every-week starter for fantasy purposes due to the low pass volume and poor track record against top-flight defenses. But he gets a revenge spot in Week 13 against his former team, the Minnesota Vikings.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Nov 25 10:30am CT
Bryce Young

Bryce Young followed up his best performance of the season in Week 11 with another underwhelming outing in Week 12's 20-9 loss to the 49ers. The third-year QB went 18-for-29 for 169 yards with one TD pass. He also threw two interceptions, including one in the end zone, and registered only 10.3 fantasy points. Through 11 games, Young has scored 20-plus points only twice while averaging 13.3 Fantasy Points Per Game. The Panthers will have a tough matchup for Young in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Rams, who rank fifth in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to QBs. The Rams' pass defense has registered 12 interceptions this season, which is tied for the third-most in the league. Considering his mediocre fantasy totals for the year and the terrible matchup against Los Angeles, fantasy players should leave Young on the bench in all formats. You should even consider an alternative in superflex leagues if possible.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Nov 25 10:20am CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) has been on Injured Reserve since late October after suffering a broken collarbone in Week 7. Evans is now technically eligible to have his return window opened, but he is not expected to be active for Tampa Bay's Week 13 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. However, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said on Monday that Evans is on track to return before the end of the regular season. Across four games so far in 2025, the 32-year-old has recorded 14 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown on 30 targets. While the Buccaneers have a breakout star in rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, Evans should re-assume his role as the team's WR1 once he is able to return to the field. In fantasy leagues where Evans may have been dropped, managers may be wise to pick him up and stash him for a few weeks before he garners heavy attention on the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Tre Tucker Nov 25 10:20am CT
Tre Tucker

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker had a modest outing in Week 12 against the Cleveland Browns, recording just three catches for 28 yards. However, Tucker was targeted 10 times and has now earned 18 targets over the last two weeks. With the Raiders having traded Jakobi Meyers to the Jacksonville Jaguars at the trade deadline, Tucker now profiles as the clear WR1 in Las Vegas. The team's overall offensive struggles hold down the 24-year-old's upside to some degree. However, if he continues to earn close to double-digit targets every week, Tucker should see his overall production spike. In any PPR fantasy league with 12 or more teams where he's not already rostered, Tucker should be a waiver-wire target heading into a Week 13 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.

From RotoBaller

Malik Washington Nov 25 10:10am CT
Malik Washington

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington hasn't been a major fantasy contributor this season, but has maintained a consistent role in the offense as a gadget piece. Washington has at least three touches in every game this season, but hasn't recorded more than six in a game. The second-year wideout has scored both of his touchdowns on the season in the past four weeks, totaling 12 catches (14 targets) for 135 yards and two touchdowns, along with four carries for 17 yards. He ranks as the WR32 in total PPR points during that time. Washington is a viable option in deeper PPR leagues thanks to his reliable floor for receptions in Miami's passing attack, and is worth adding ahead of their Week 13 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Nov 25 10:00am CT
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary held a meaningful role in the team's backfield over the past two weeks, but saw Tyrone Tracy Jr. dominate the snaps and touches in Week 12's overtime loss to the Detroit Lions. Singletary still handled 14 carries for 47 yards, but played on just 29.9% of the snaps, his lowest in a game since Cam Skattebo (ankle) got injured in Week 8. Notably, there was a shift in the goal-line work in Week 12. Singletary handled all 10 running back carries inside the 10-yard line in Weeks 9 through 11, but Tracy handled three of four carries in these spots in Week 12. Tracy seems to be separating himself as the clear lead back in New York, and he's performed well with his opportunities. However, Singletary remains involved with the Giants and is worth a waiver wire add this week in 12-team leagues. Plus, he would step into a workhorse role if Tracy were to miss any time.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Nov 25 9:50am CT
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) went 23-for-32 for 193 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions in Monday's 20-9 win over the Carolina Panthers. He also had 16 rushing yards on six carries. Purdy struggled to connect with his receivers on intermediate and deep routes, completing just one of his eight attempts of 10 yards or more. All three of his interceptions came on shots 20 yards downfield or longer. In postgame comments, Purdy insisted his picks had nothing to do with the turf toe injury that has cost him eight games this season. The 49ers will travel to Cleveland in Week 13 to face the Browns, whose defense has allowed the third-fewest passing yards and owns the highest sack rate in the league. Purdy projects as a QB2 against that stout defense in what will be a cold-weather game.

From RotoBaller

Zonovan Knight Nov 25 9:40am CT
Zonovan Knight

Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight has enjoyed an extended run as the team's lead back with Trey Benson (knee) on injured reserve and Emari Demercado (ankle) also missing time. Knight's fantasy appeal could come to an end with Benson's practice window opened last week, and him being listed as a limited participant every day in practice last week. Benson could be on track to return in Week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but could be eased back into action after missing seven consecutive games. Knight could be in a timeshare with the second-year back in the short term before Benson is ready to take on a bigger workload. If Benson isn't ready to return just yet, Knight will rank as a touchdown-dependent RB3 for Week 13 against the Bucs.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Nov 25 9:30am CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence was a bit chaotic in their Week 12 overtime win over the Arizona Cardinals, completing 18 of 30 passes for 256 yards, three touchdowns, three interceptions, and taking three sacks while also losing a fumble. He added five carries for 29 yards on the ground. The 26-year-old continues to be one of the most turnover-prone quarterbacks in the league, but he matched a season high with three passing touchdowns and continues to be active as a runner. He's had at least five carries in four straight games, totaling 24 rush attempts for 97 yards and three touchdowns. Over that span, his 24 carries are tied for the second most among quarterbacks, his 97 yards are tied for fourth, and his three rushing touchdowns are tied for the second-most. Lawrence is the QB6 in fantasy points in the last four games, and is on the map as a potential streamer for Week 13 at the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller