5 bold predictions for Commanders QB Jayden Daniels in Week 7 vs. Panthers

Jayden Daniels gains 100+ rushing yards

Jayden Daniels has toned down his rushing since relying on it too much in Week 1. The signal-caller is a passing quarterback first. If things aren't developing as expected downfield, that's when his running can benefit the Washington Commanders. Kliff Kingsbury is also dialing up some designed quarterback runs read or rush-pass options, but it's nothing too over the top right now.

The Commanders could be getting Brian Robinson Jr. back this weekend after he returned to practice. That would be a big help to the ground game that was neutralized by the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6. This also opens things up for Daniels to get creative.

That's good news against the Carolina Panthers, who are conceding 153.5 rushing yards per game. Not having Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown and veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson available is hurting them badly. This should be music to the ears of Daniels and anyone else carrying the rock in Week 7.

Daniels has gone over 80 rushing yards twice so far this season. If he can exploit Carolina's inability to set the edge effectively with limited quality at their disposal, a 100-yard game on the ground might be in his immediate future.

Jayden Daniels officially enters NFL MVP race

Jayden Daniels is a leading candidate for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Caleb Williams is coming along nicely and should put up a fight if the same trend continues, but the LSU product leads the way. However, some are also hinting that the Washington Commanders might have a Year 1 candidate for NFL MVP on their hands.

That's an ambitious goal for Daniels to aim for. He's taking things one game at a time and isn't interested in examining potential individual accolades at this early stage. He's all about the team making strides, which is the correct mindset to adopt and a reason why everyone got behind the signal-caller from the moment he arrived.

Unless the Panthers make miraculous adjustments in the coming days, this looks like a game where Daniels can officially enter the NFL MVP race. That would be an astonishing turn of events for someone who's instantly ignited an entire franchise in the blink of an eye.

Staying focused and avoiding complacency is key. The Panthers can put up points in a hurry with Andy Dalton under center and an outstanding offensive line to lean on. At the same time, the Commanders can feel confident against anybody with Daniels leading the charge.

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