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5 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers in 2018

By Rucker Haringey

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts during the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts during the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 14: C.J. Anderson
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 14: C.J. Anderson /

2. C.J. Anderson will lead the team in rushing

Christian McCaffrey is the most talented back on the Panthers roster, but that doesn’t mean he’s the best pure runner. That designation goes to C.J. Anderson. Look for him to get a heavy workload for the Panthers during the regular season.

After all, it’s Anderson, not McCaffrey who is coming off a 1,000-yard season. His ability to run the ball between the tackles will inevitably catch the eye of Rivera and the rest of the offensive coaching staff. His strength happens to coincide with McCaffrey’s biggest weakness.

Note, this doesn’t mean that McCaffrey is going to be dislodged as the starter. He’ll still get plenty of carries. More importantly, he will get tons of chances to catch balls out of the backfield. The former Cardinal might want to soak up all the carries too, but his body isn’t big enough to allow that yet.

Anderson isn’t going to put up another 1,000-yard season this year, but expecting him to hit 700 yards would be an excellent return for a backup running back. Anderson may only be a one year solution for the Panthers, but look for him to provide tremendous value while he’s in Carolina.

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