5 bold predictions for Eagles against Panthers

4 of 5

PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 21: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball against Fletcher Cox #91 of the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

2. Run defense holds CMac to 150 yards or less

Panthers fans and fantasy managers have been eagerly awaiting the return of Christian McCaffrey.

Eagles fans? Not so much.

It looks McCaffrey will be making the game after all, as he was reported as practicing in pads on Wednesday. If his Week 3 hamstring injury clears up and he’s geared up to play on Sunday, it would be bad news for the Eagles rush defense. Here’s an alarming stat: their rushing defense has allowed the second-most rushing yards in the NFL all season.

Against Ezekiel Elliott, that’s understandable, but 200 rushing yards from the Chiefs? The Chiefs are famous for their reluctance to run with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, and over 100 yards each to the Falcons and 49ers is inexcusable. And then there’s Christian McCaffrey.

What the Eagles have going for them is that like Gilmore, McCaffrey is unlikely to be at his best as he’s still coming off of an injury. McCaffrey is also injury-prone, which may have him running a bit differently this game than subjecting his body to more beatings.

McCaffrey also hasn’t logged more than 100 rushing yards in a game this season, although he’s more known for his pronounced pass-catching abilities. With rushing and passing yards combined, the Eagles rush defense can hope to hold McCaffrey this game to at lest 150 or less, but it’s still a tall order against the Carolina star.

Home/Carolina Panthers