Carolina Panthers vs. Cleveland Browns: 5 Players to watch in Week 14

4. Christian McCaffrey

Going with another player on Carolina’s intriguing offensive unit, everyone’s favorite fantasy darling Christian McCaffrey gets the call at No. 4. McCaffrey has been everything the Panthers wanted and more since being drafted No. 8 overall in 2017. A Swiss-army knife of a backfield weapon, McCaffrey can open up an offense in more ways than one.

Despite a much-improved secondary, the Browns’ run defense has left a bit to be desired this season. Perhaps they miss nose tackle Danny Shelton, or they just aren’t scheming as well to stop the run this season. If McCaffrey can get it going on the ground, it will open a world of possibilities for him and the entire Panthers offense through the air.

The Panthers, offensively, are built around the idea of McCaffrey opening up the field for quarterback Cam Newton. Whether or not the Panthers can keep that game plan running usually indicates just how well a game is going to go for them on the offensive side of the ball.

McCaffrey should look for a lot of screen passes this game, as they seem to be one of the Browns’ biggest defensive struggles. He can put a dagger through the heart of Cleveland’s defense early and often. He just has to capitalize on the opportunities to strike that the Browns are almost sure to give him.