Predicting Every Game on the Panthers' 2023 Schedule

Can Carolina win the NFC South with this schedule?

Now that we have officially reached game week, it's time to roll out our game-by-game predictions for the Carolina Panthers. Let's not waste any more time and just get right to it.

Week 1: at Atlanta Falcons

Prediction: Lose (0-1)

I believe Carolina has a slightly better roster than Atlanta. That said, there's a lot of uncertainty at outside linebacker with Marquis Haynes Sr. hitting injured reserve and Brian Burns sitting out the last two practices. I do believe Burns plays in the game, but it's a defense that hasn't played a full game together yet in this scheme. It's hard to get a season sweep and the Panthers have only won in Atlanta eight times in 29 tries.

Week 2: vs. New Orleans Saints (MNF)

Prediction: Win (1-1)

The Panthers bounce back strong at home in primetime following a close loss in Week 1. Ejiro Evero's unit creates chaos and gets to Derek Carr several times, keeping the Saints' offense in check.

Week 3: at Seattle Seahawks

Prediction: Lose (1-2)

Seattle is going to be a dangerous team this year and should have an improved defense with two solid young corners in Devon Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen. Low-scoring game and the 12th man plays a factor, helping the Seahawks to victory.

Week 4: vs Minnesota Vikings

Prediction: Lose (1-3)

It's the Adam Thielen revenge game! In all seriousness, I do believe the Panthers have a chance to win this one, but the Vikings' offense is too much to handle. Justin Jefferson goes for 150 and a pair of touchdowns.

Week 5: at Detroit Lions

Prediction: Lose (1-4)

I don't think Dan Campbell forgot about last year's Christmas Eve beatdown. His defense gave up over 300 yards on the ground and over 500 in total offense. He'll have his team ready to play and it might just be the best team in the NFC North.

Week 6: at Miami Dolphins

Prediction: Lose (1-5)

I went back and forth on this one but if Tua Tagovailoa can stay on the field, the Dolphins are going to be a handful for everyone they play. Carolina goes into the early bye week with a 1-5 record.

Week 7: BYE WEEK

Week 8: vs. Houston Texans

Prediction: Win (2-5)

Man, the schedule couldn't have been set up any better for Carolina coming out of the bye. They had a difficult four-game stretch and now, this is where they start to make up some ground. Houston is nowhere near ready to compete. Should be a dominant showing from the Panthers.

Week 9: vs. Indianapolis Colts

Prediction: Win (3-5)

Unlike the Texans, the Colts have a pretty good roster. Anthony Richardson will have an up-and-down rookie season but against this defense, he has a long, long day. A couple of turnovers helps Carolina to a second straight win.

Week 10: at Chicago Bears (TNF)

Prediction: Lose (3-6)

Speaking of revenge games...I'm sure DJ Moore has this one circled on his calendar. This is one of those games the Panthers should win, but just come out and look flat. 

Week 11: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Prediction: Win (4-6)

After losing a game they shouldn't lose, the Panthers return home to BoA to win a game they shouldn't win. The three extra days to recover/prepare for Dallas pay off as the Cowboys are coming off what will be a physical divisional game against the Giants.

Week 12: at Tennessee Titans

Prediction: Win (5-6)

Poor Tennessee. A team that once looked like it would be a contender in the AFC for years to come is all of a sudden on the brink of a complete rebuild. By this time of year, the Titans may begin to explore what they have in Will Levis. I'll take the Panthers here. 

Week 13: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Prediction: Win (6-6)

It's going to be a challenging season for Tampa Bay, which is in a very similar situation to Indianapolis as far as its roster is concerned. Baker Mayfield throws a couple of picks against his former team and the Bucs are shut down.

Week 14: at New Orleans Saints

Prediction: Loss (6-7)

The Panthers are 14-15 all-time in New Orleans, so there's a chance they steal this one. But Derek Carr and co. should be clicking on all cylinders at this point and once again, it's hard to sweep a division rival.

Week 15: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Prediction: Win (7-7)

Carolina gets revenge for their Week 1 loss and does so in fashion. Big game here for Bryce Young and the Panthers' passing game.

Week 16: vs. Green Bay Packers

Prediction: Lose (7-8)

If Jordan Love turns out to be an above-average QB in his first year as the full-time starter, the Packers will be in the mix in the NFC. This late in the year, I expect Matt LaFleur to have that offense and that team rolling. Carolina keeps it close, but the Packers win it.

Week 17: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Prediction: Lose (7-9)

Jacksonville got hot at the end of last season after a slow start and now, they look like a team that could win a division title. Trevor Lawrence takes a massive step this season and has a monster game against Carolina. Doug Pederson defeats his former assistant, Frank Reich.

Week 18: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Prediction: Win (8-9)

It's an ugly game but the Panthers find a way to come out on top, sweep the Bucs, and finish tied for second in the NFC South.

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