The Carolina Panthers are coming off an overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons, setting up a pivotal matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.

Both teams are in the fight for a Wild Card spot in the NFC. Ahead of their matchup, 49ers' head coach Kyle Shanahan had praise for Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. 

“I think he’s a stud. He’s going to be one of the best receivers in this league sooner than later. He’s got all the skill sets to do it and I think he's just getting started," Shanahan said.

He was also asked if McMillan caught his eye in the draft, and Shanahan said, “Yes, big time.”

The Panthers took McMillan with the eighth overall pick in the NFL Draft. The 22-year-old wide receiver is having a great rookie season. He has hauled in 54 receptions for 784 yards and four touchdowns thus far.

McMillan is coming off the best game of his career, as he had eight receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns.

He has continued to improve throughout the season as his connection with quarterback Bryce Young has continued to develop. It's no coincidence that Young is also coming off the best game of his career, as he completed 31 of 45 passes for 448 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions.

While the 49ers are a talented team, it won't be an easy win. Carolina has been inconsistent, but has been able to take down a quality team in the Green Bay Packers.

This game is crucial for the Panthers, as they are only a half-game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for first place in the NFC South. Carolina still has two matchups remaining with Tampa Bay, making the division a wide-open race.

San Francisco is 7-4, but in third place in the NFC West behind the 8-2 Los Angeles Rams and 7-3 Seattle Seahawks.

The Panthers and 49ers are both in the thick of the playoff hunt in the NFC, and this game could be pivotal in one of these teams securing a spot. 

For Carolina to win the game, they will rely on McMillan and Young to connect on big plays.