If Dowdle doesn’t re-sign with the Panthers, he’s positioned himself to be an attractive option on the open market. The Houston Texans can afford to get younger at running back, with Nick Chubb and Joe Mixon set to turn 30 ahead of the 2026 season. Chubb is set to become a free agent, and the Texans can cut Mixon before the last year of his deal.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates with safety Jaylen McClain (18), linebacker Sonny Styles (0) and defensive end Caden Curry (92) after Downs intercepted a pass in the second half at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. / Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Panthers cannot beat the 49ers. Don’t misconstrue that: The Panthers can win on Monday. They have won six times already this season. But they cannot go toe-to-toe with the 49ers, both teams playing their best, and win. And that makes this game the ultimate litmus test for the Niners.

The Panthers haven’t made the NFL playoffs since 2017. But at 6-5, with six games left, they have a shot to qualify this season.

The Carolina Panthers had the worst run defense in the NFL last season, and it wasn't particularly close. They yielded roughly 180 yards on the ground per game. This year, the one thing that we do know about this team is that it has improved that aspect.

NFL Week 12 odds, picks, predictions, TV channel, streaming information for Monday Night Football between Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers.