Analysis

Dalton got the nod under center against the Falcons despite being pulled for poor performance late in last week's loss to the Bears. The 36-year-old showed improved results in Week 6 despite being saddled with another loss. That being said, Dalton's upside for next Sunday's tilt against Washington leaves much to be desired for a player who has thrown four interceptions over the last three weeks.

Analysis

Dalton was ultimately replaced by Bryce Young with 4:15 remaining, but Joe Person of The Athletic reports that head coach Dave Canales has already committed to the veteran signal-caller as his Week 6 starter against the Falcons. Nevertheless, Dalton had his most pedestrian day yet as the Panthers' starting quarterback against the very tough defense of one of his former squads, and he was fortunate to avoid a multi-turnover game. Canales also had praise for the way Young played during his cameo, so if Dalton struggles again versus Atlanta, it's possible a switch is made for the second straight week.

Analysis

Dalton's performance Sunday wasn't as impressive as the one he put together in Week 3's win over the Raiders. The 36-year-old quarterback was forced to throw the ball more than the Panthers likely intended, as the team faced a 17-point deficit in the second half of Week 4's loss. However, Dalton supported two great fantasy performances from wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette, who posted 7-83-1 and 6-66-1 receiving lines, respectively. Dalton appears to have Carolina's offense in a much better spot than Bryce Young did in his two games, and the Panthers' top weapons are expected to continue being fantasy-relevant as long as Dalton remains the team's starting QB.

Analysis

Canales' pronouncement comes as little surprise after Dalton stepped into the starting role Week 3 in place of demoted 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young and revitalized an offense that had averaged 176 yards and 6.5 points in blowout losses to the Saints and Chargers in the first two weeks of the season. In leading the Panthers to a convincing 36-22 win over the Raiders, Dalton completed 26 of 37 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns while Carolina rolled to its second-best scoring total in five seasons. While the sizable investment in Young could eventually prompt Carolina to turn the starting job back over to him later in the season -- especially if the rebuilding Panthers predictably fade from the playoff picture -- the 36-year-old Dalton should have a decent amount of leash if he continues to oversee a competent offense. Dalton offers little production as a runner at this stage of his career and is working with below-average talent at the skill positions, but on sheer passing volume alone, he could offer some utility as a lineup option in two-quarterback or superflex leagues.

Analysis

Dalton replaced the beleaguered Bryce Young and got the Carolina offense moving. He threw all three of his touchdowns in the first half, highlighted by an impressive 31-yard toss to Adam Thielen (hamstring) just before halftime that beautifully split a double team. Six of Dalton's completions went for at least 20 yards, while Young tallied only two across his two starts this season. In addition to Dalton's own impressive performance, he effectively got Carolina's pass catchers involved -- most notably Diontae Johnson, who logged an 8/122/1 line.

Analysis

Dalton will get an opportunity to see whether he can spark Carolina's offense, which added Diontae Johnson and rookie first-round pick Xavier Legette in the offseason with the hope of improving things alongside incumbent Adam Thielen. In two games this season, Young threw just 245 passing yards combined and three interceptions, and he averaged a miserable 3.2 yards per pass attempt Week 2 versus the Chargers. Dalton's starting tenure will begin with a tough Week 3 road matchup against Las Vegas, but if he can stabilize things on offense for the 0-2 Panthers, the 36-year-old veteran could have a clear path to retaining the No. 1 gig for the remainder of the 2024 season.

Analysis

Dalton injured his quad Aug. 1 and was expected to need a couple of weeks to recover. The veteran quarterback should have a firm grasp on the Panthers' backup job to starter Bryce Young.

Analysis

Dalton has a firm grasp on the backup quarterback job in Carolina, so this absence shouldn't affect his standing with the team. However, he could be sidelined for the entirety of preseason action, which would leave Jack Plummer to handle large portions of games.