Monday Night Football in Week 12 features an exciting matchup between the Carolina Panthers and the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium in San Francisco, Calif.
- For more Monday Night Football coverage, check out our Panthers vs 49ers preview, which includes five picks for MNF.
For my top Panthers vs 49ers NFL PrizePicks and Underdog plays, I’m highlighting Rico Dowdle, Chuba Hubbard, and Christian McCaffrey.
Rico Dowdle
Less Than 18.5 Rushing Attempts
Rico Dowdle has undoubtedly given the Panthers offense a spark since Chuba Hubbard's injury. Dowdle played so well during Hubbard's absence that he's taken over the bulk of the workload in the backfield.
However, this matchup against the 49ers is not ideal for a high-volume rushing attack. San Francisco ranks 11th in rushing attempts against and 14th in yards per rush allowed.
Carolina is primed to have far more success through the air, and that alone will take away from Dowdle's carries.
Additionally, as Hubbard has gotten healthier, we've seen him play a role in the offense, and if Dowdle struggles, the Panthers will go with the hot hand.
Chuba Hubbard
More Than 14.5 Rushing Yards
Building off the pick above, Dowdle's domination of the rushing share has vastly deflated Chuba Hubbard's rushing lines when that should not be the case. Hubbard still receives a portion of carries per game as he's totaled more than 12 his last three.
Hubbard has also been efficient on a per-touch basis; he's averaging 4.1 yards per carry on the season. He has the ability to surpass this total with three carries tonight, and three carries may be his absolute floor as he begins to carve out a bigger role.
Capitalize on the value and back Hubbard.
Christian McCaffrey
Less Than 18.5 Rushing Attempts
Lastly, we stay in the backfield, but switch sides.
Christian McCaffrey has been dynamite for the 49ers this season, carrying the offense amidst a bevy of injuries.
However, over the last few weeks, we've seen San Francisco dial his workload back a bit. McCaffrey has had 13 or fewer carries in three of his last four games. Some of that may have to do with his lack of efficiency — he's averaged just 3.7 yards per carry and has the 49ers last in yards per carry as a team.
Given that the offense is near full strength, this attempt stat is too high, as the 49ers have found better ways to use McCaffrey, and that should continue tonight.
