NFL: Top 25 boldest predictions for the rest of the season

NFL: Top 25 boldest predictions for the rest of the season: 14. Christian McCaffrey saves Sam Darnold

Christian McCaffrey should be back soon (if not now depending on when you’re reading this), and that is welcomed news for a Panthers offense that desperately needs him. Chuba Hubbard has been a fine replacement, but the rookie is basically a traditional running back, and the Panthers offense needs someone who can play like Marshall Faulk. McCaffrey is the best dual-threat running back in the league.

Sam Darnold was knocked out of his most recent game with a concussion, but it wasn’t like he was lighting the world on fire before that. Matt Rhule is seriously considering trying P.J. Walker at quarterback. Things went really well to start the season for Darnold, but they’ve fallen apart over the past month.

What is the one thing that’s missing over the past month? It’s McCaffrey. He helps everything in that Panthers offense. He helps the receivers get open, the offensive line build confidence, and the quarterback always has a dynamic outlet to make a big play. He gets Darnold huge yards which makes his entire day look better. If Darnold could get a few more 250-yard performances, that would help him look at the big picture.

Darnold is hanging onto a starting job by a threat, but he showed with McCaffrey earlier in the season that he can be very competitive with him in the lineup. Once McCaffrey returns, so will positive ascension for the Panthers offense under Darnold.