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Washington Football Team: Three bold predictions vs. Panthers

By Jacob Camenker

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by defensive end Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Football Team in the third quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by defensive end Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Football Team in the third quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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Sep 27, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Washington Football Team running back J.D. McKissic (41) runs the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Washington Football Team running back J.D. McKissic (41) runs the ball against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Logan Thomas, J.D. McKissic both have 10+ catches, 100+ yards

The Washington Football Team is, unfortunately, likely to be without Terry McLaurin on Sunday. McLaurin is listed as doubtful for the game, so barring a sudden change in his status and his injured ankle, it seems likely that he will be out of action in Week 16.

McLaurin’s absence will have a big impact on the Washington offense. Without him, the pecking order in the team’s receiver room is unsettled. Cam Sims will likely be the No. 1 target, but will the Panthers be able to stop him or focus their attention on him? It’s possible.

It seems more likely that Washington will have to look elsewhere. Essentially, the WRs may start the game more as decoys as the team’s quarterback, be it Alex Smith or Dwayne Haskins, will heavily target the tight ends and running backs as they have this season.

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That could mean big days for Logan Thomas and J.D. McKissic. Thomas is coming off an amazing 13-catch, 101-yard performance against a tough Seahawks defense that nearly matched his production from all of last season with the Lions (16 catches, 173 yards). He should have a chance to do some damage against the Panthers given his high-volume target share and amazing athletic ability.

Meanwhile, McKissic has caught at least seven passes four times in the last seven games, and if he continues to be a top checkdown option, he should have a chance to move the ball downfield against a defense that has struggled against RBs.

Both Thomas and McKissic should have a chance to rack up targets, catches, and yardage. With McLaurin out, the duo should each have a chance at 100+ yards, and we’ll predict that they’ll get the job done as the most consistent receiving options available for Washington this Sunday.

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