- Christian McCaffrey’s changing role: The Carolina Panthers running back has been catching more passes while running the ball less, which hurts will hurt his rushing total against a strong Los Angeles Rams defense.
- Diontae Johnson’s decreasing targets: The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ quarterback change has led to fewer targets for Johnson, and now, he faces a defense that will further limit his targets.
- George Kittle’s slow start continues: Kittle hasn’t been a large part of the San Francisco 49ers‘ passing game this season, and it likely won’t need him against the Atlanta Falcons.
- 2022 record: 8-7.
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RB Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers: Under 60.5 rushing yards (-118)
- McCaffrey has been held under 60 rushing yards in each of his last two games, as his carries have decreased while his targets increase.
- Carolina passes the ball 71.2% of the time when losing.
- The Panthers face the Rams as 10-point underdogs and, arguably, the spread should be even bigger.
- Most running backs who have faced Los Angeles have been held under 4.0 yards per carry.
- McCaffrey has been most successful with man/gap-scheme run concepts, which has been his most frequent run concept this season, and he’s averaged 5.8 yards per carry.
- The Rams have successfully stifled man/gap-scheme run concepts this season, limiting opposing backs to just 2.7 yards per carry.