5 bold predictions for Carolina Panthers in 2020

2. Christian McCaffrey will go over 1,500 yards receiving

The idea that a running back might lead a team in receiving yards would be a serious problem for most NFL franchises. The presence of McCaffrey in the backfield makes that an acceptable outcome for the Panthers.

Last season the former Stanford Cardinal racked up an eye-popping 116 receptions for 1,005 yards. The new coaching staff might be able to help him boost his production even more in 2020.

The key for Brady and his offensive coaching staff will be to do a better job getting McCaffrey the ball in space. They don’t really want to see him catch more passes this season, but they do want to see his yard per catch average increase significantly.

That means opposing defenses should be prepared to see more vertical routes from the versatile running back. Any time he gets matched up against a linebacker or safety in single coverage it’s a big advantage for the Panthers’ offense. Expect McCaffrey to stay around 100 catches but push his receiving yards total north of 1,500 as a result of the team’s innovative new offense.