3 Carolina Panthers Bold Predictions for Week 1

After an offseason of a lot of change, the new look Carolina Panthers take the field in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite being at home, Carolina is the slight underdog, with the odds predicting them to start 0-1.

While beating Vegas in the odds and on the field wouldn't be the biggest surprise, this game could still bring some shocking events. With that in mind, here's three bold predictions for the Panthers against the Raiders.

3. Teams Combine for 800 Total Yards

These defenses are so poor that we could see 800 total yards. Last season, the Raiders gave up 354.8 yards per game (No. 19 in NFL). The Panthers brought in the offensive-minded Matt Rhule to be head coach, and this offense has the potential to be one of the most dangerous in the NFL, with weapons all over the field. However, the Carolina defense is horrendous. They gave up 374.5 yards per game last season (No. 24 in NFL), and they lost Luke Kuechly since then. Bad defenses and dangerous offenses lead to big yards and fun games for fantasy football.

2. Christian McCaffrey Totals 200 Yards From Scrimmage

If this game of a ton of yards, we know Christian McCaffrey will have a big hand in that. He was the straw that stirred the drink for the Panthers last season, totaling nearly 2,400 yards from scrimmage. CMC is just as much of a threat in the passing game as he is in the running game, which is what makes him so tough to stop. The Rhule offense will also attempt to spread the defense out, opening up even more space for McCaffrey to go to work and put up a massive day.

1. Teddy Bridgewater Sets a New Career High in Passing

Teddy Bridgewater has had quite the journey in the NFL. Ultimately, it has landed him in Carolina as their new starting quarterback. More importantly, this gives him the second chance that he has fully earned. Bridgewater has been labeled a game manager throughout his career, but this Rhule offense will likely allow him to sling it all over the field. With weapons everywhere, including the backfield, and a favorable matchup, he has a real shot at throwing more than 335 yards, which would be a new career-high for the veteran quarterback.

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