Three bold predictions for Carolina Panthers against Pittsburgh Steelers

Devin Funchess will have a day

Under the primetime lights, Devin Funchess will thrive. After a slow start to the season, the former Michigan man has really picked up his play. He has made himself stand out among a talented group of receivers and is on his way to having another career year.

Currently, he has 445 yards on the season. He had 840 all of last year. He has recorded 28 first downs after notching 40 all of last year. He set a career-high in targets last year with 113. To this point, he has 55. As he is on his way to breaking career records, he is getting stronger by the week. Last Sunday against Tampa Bay, he caught four passes for 44 yards. He spread the field, averaging 11 yards per catch. When he caught the football, he made it count. His 69.8 offensive rating against the Buccaneers was his third-highest of the season.

He will certainly get his chances against the Steelers. They give up 11.2 yards per pass play. Not only that, they allow 278.6 yards through the air per game. There will certainly be chances for him to exploit the secondary. There is a very good chance he could be matched up against Joe Haden, a battle that would be exciting to watch. Last week against the Ravens, he received a 57.3 coverage rating, his second lowest of the season. Coming off of a bad week, you know he wants to redeem himself.

However, I believe Funchess will win this matchup. As a result, I predict that he will get at least 80 yards receiving. This is the type of game where the impact players show up. Funchess certainly has been one for the Panthers over the years, and I do not expect that to change on Thursday. If I was Cam Newton, I would get him targets early and often. Get the motor running and let athleticism take over.