The Carolina Panthers are about to tackle their only prime-time game of the campaign. And one could argue that it is their most crucial contest since the NFC South decider against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under interim head coach Steve Wilks in 2022.
That didn't go very well, to put it mildly. However, something feels a lot different this time around for head coach Dave Canales' squad.
A stunning overtime success against the Atlanta Falcons put the Panthers just half a game back within the division. Beating the San Francisco 49ers on the road would be their most significant statement yet, but it's not going to be easy against a team that still harbors lofty ambitions after a 7-4 start to the campaign.
Another fascinating evening awaits, with the entire NFL audience watching intently on Monday Night Football. Before then, here are three bold predictions for the clash at Levi's Stadium.
Bold Carolina Panthers predictions for prime-time showdown against the 49ers
Tetairoa McMillan gains 150+ receiving yards
The Panthers got a gem in Tetairoa McMillan. Fans know it, coaches are fully aware, and even the Niners' head coach, Kyle Shanahan, acknowledged that the first-round wide receiver is going to be a star in this league for a long time.
McMillan isn't coming; he's already arrived. And another profitable game could be in the offing if Canales puts his versatility to good use against San Francisco.
Carolina Panthers OL doesn't give up a sack
Although the Panthers are once again dealing with injuries along their offensive line, the Niners have been decimated in the trenches. Most of their productive edge rushers are out. Linebacker Fred Warner, widely regarded as the league's best, is also missing.
It won't be easy; not by any stretch of the imagination. But the Panthers still have enough quality to keep quarterback Bryce Young's pocket clean consistently if they generate enough early momentum.
Carolina Panthers win by 5+ points
Nobody expected the Panthers to be in the playoff hunt at this juncture. They keep proving people wrong, and although it is far from perfect just yet, that could be the case once again on the prime-time stage.
Stopping former Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey from dominating is the key, especially considering he'll be out to make them pay for deeming his talent expendable. If Ejiro Evero's defense can pull off this challenging feat, and the offense continues with an aggressive, well-balanced approach, Canales' squad will be well-positioned for another stunning upset on the road.
And make no mistake; that would put the entire NFL world on notice.