3 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers at the Vikings

D.J. Moore will reach 1,000 receiving yards.

The third-year wideout is 137 receiving yards from his second consecutive 1,000-yard season. There’s a very good chance for D.J. Moore to reach the goal in this game, but even if he doesn’t, he’s got plenty of games left.

By reaching 1,000-yards this season, Moore will join an elite class of Carolina Panthers pass-catchers that achieved the notable feat in back to back seasons including Muhsin Muhammad, Steve Smith, and Greg Olsen.

Despite having 25 fewer receptions, Moore jumped ahead of Robby Anderson for the team’s receiving yards lead after the game against Detroit. They are the only pair of wideouts in the NFL with at least 800 yards receiving and both should easily surpass 1,100 yards this season.

What makes this a palatable prediction?

Look no further than the Vikings’ 26th ranked pass defense.

Getting chunk yards and explosive plays should be no problem for the offense, especially if they remain balanced. Moore averages almost 19 yards per reception, so Teddy Bridgewater shouldn’t have to force-feed targets to him to get big yardage.

This is as good a matchup as any to expect Moore to join the ranks of great Panthers pass-catchers with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. And there is a lot to like about his chances of putting up even bigger numbers once he reaches his prime.