1. Kelvin Benjamin will finish with triple digits and at least one touchdown
Derek Anderson and KB have a connection that I believe will carry over from the last time they played together, which just so happened to be the first game of the season against the same opponent. The rookie came up just eight yards shy of triple digits in his debut, but that won't be the case this time around.
2. Mike Evans will also finish with triple digits and at least one touchdown
Whether it's Bene Benwikere or Josh Norman, I'd like to believe they can somehow shutdown Evans, who's become a revelation in the second half of the season. Each of them have good size, but something tells me that one or both of them are going to be at the mercy of the 6-foot-5 rookie of the year candidate all game long.
3. Josh McCown will throw at least two interceptions
The twelve year veteran has thrown at least one interception in three straight games and that's not going to change on Sunday.
4. Kony Ealy will record his second sack of the season
The rookie has been knocking on the door of late, showing signs that he has a bright future with the Panthers. In a limited role, he's been getting decent pressure on a weekly basis now. This is the week his hard work is rewarded on the official stat sheet.
5. The Panthers will rush for more than 120 yards as a team
It is no coincidence that the offensive line is finally beginning to win some battles down in the trenches. Rookie guards, Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner, along with second year pro, Mike Reemers, have collectively managed to transform a unit that was floundering into one that appears promising. From my perspective, Newton's absence combined with the fact that the Bucs haven't allowed a team to rush for more than 120 yards in four weeks makes the boldest of my six predictions.
6. The Panthers will win their second straight
The Panthers are going to be motivated for many reasons this Sunday. For one, they'll be playing with a sense of urgency that reflects their renewed playoff push. Secondly, they'll be playing at home against a division rival. Lastly, and most importantly, they'll be playing in honor of injured team captain, Cam Newton. Never underestimate the power of a team who is challenged to step up and play outside of themselves in the face of adversity. We saw it in week one and I believe history will repeat itself in an even more pronounced way.
Panthers 27 Bucs 17