The Saints head to Charlotte looking for a spark on offense after weeks of frustration and missed chances.

With the team losing three of its last four trips to the Queen City and struggling to find rhythm this season, attention now turns to the playmakers who can change that narrative.

Whether it’s a rookie searching for his breakout moment, a quarterback finding his footing, or a veteran proving he still has plenty left, these are the offensive players to watch as New Orleans takes on a Carolina team coming off a statement win in Green Bay.

After being named the starter over Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough remains one of the most important players to watch heading into the week.

Shough's first start didn’t go smoothly. The Saints’ offense sputtered and time of possession cratered, but he showed arm talent and resilience even under heavy pressure.

For a New Orleans offense still searching for rhythm, Shough’s ability to stay calm, make quick reads, and connect with Chris Olave could dictate whether the Saints can finally build some consistency.

Carolina’s defense has thrived on red-zone stands and takeaways, so this is a test of both his composure and decisionmaking.

The rookie running back from Kansas could see his role increase if the injured and aging Alvin Kamara can’t get things going.

Devin Neal finished his college career as the Jayhawks’ all-time leading rusher with over 4,300 yards and 49 touchdowns, per KU Athletics, and the Saints took him in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Neal has shown flashes of acceleration and contact balance in limited action, and this could be the moment to test whether he can provide the burst this backfield has lacked.

For Saints fans, all eyes will be on whether he can seize this opportunity and bring some energy to an offense that’s been stagnant for much of the season.

Taysom Hill remains the do-everything piece of New Orleans’s scheme.

In last week’s loss to the Rams, Hill broke loose for a 29-yard run up the middle, one of the few explosive plays the offense managed that day. His versatility continues to be a lifeline when the Saints are stuck.

Whether it’s a direct snap, a power run package, or a misdirection play that catches the defense flat-footed, expect him to factor heavily in short-yardage and red-zone situations again, especially with Carolina’s front being one of the stingier units inside the 20.

For Carolina, Dowdle is the offensive name Saints fans need to know.

According to CBS, in last week’s road win over the Green Bay Packers, Dowdle gashed the defense for 130 yards and two touchdowns, powering a Panthers attack that controlled the game on the ground.

His physical running style and patience behind the line of scrimmage have brought a new dimension to Carolina’s offense, complementing a defense that forced two turnovers and held Green Bay to 1-for-5 in the red zone.

Dowdle’s confidence is high, and with the Saints’ run defense allowing chunk gains in recent weeks, he poses a serious threat to keep the Panthers’ momentum alive and their winning record intact.

New Orleans has dropped three of its last four trips to Charlotte (per StatMuse) and enters this game trying to reverse course after a season defined by inconsistency and lack of identity.

Carolina, meanwhile, is riding the high of its win in Green Bay and will look to keep the energy rolling in front of its home crowd.

For Saints fans, this matchup is a measuring stick: can a young quarterback, an untested running back, and a veteran combine to create enough spark to keep up with a Panthers team that’s finally finding balance on both sides of the ball?