Roundtable: Way-Too-Early Record Predictions for the Carolina Panthers

Taking an early stab at how the Panthers will perform this upcoming season.

Last week, the 2023 NFL schedule was released and the Carolina Panthers will get not one but two primetime games, including a Week 2 matchup with the Saints on Monday Night Football.

With a new coaching staff and a rookie quarterback set to take over the next chapter of the organization, can the Panthers overcome the inexperience of working together to compete for a division title?

Here are our way-too-early record predictions.

Schuyler Callihan: 10-7, 1st in NFC South

This is a very favorable schedule for the Panthers even with a rookie quarterback likely to start from the jump. The duo of Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard in the backfield will help take some of the pressure off of Bryce Young. Defensively, they have one of the top units in the entire league, and with a new 3-4 scheme under Ejiro Evero, we could see even more production from linebackers Brian Burns and Frankie Luvu, and defensive lineman Derrick Brown. 

Matt Alquiza: 9-8, 2nd in NFC South

As a whole, the Panthers ended up with a pretty easy schedule. They only face six playoff teams from last season, one of those being the Bucs, who most expect to take a big step back in 2023. The first six games are crucial. If Carolina can get off to a good start, that 9-8 may look too low.

Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated: 9-8, 1st in NFC South

In a wide-open NFC South, the Panthers made enough upgrades this offseason to win the division with No. 1 pick Bryce Young, who will get to throw to wide receivers Adam Thielen, DJ Chark, and rookie Jonathan Mingo. Young will be tested against the Jaguars, Dolphins, and Seahawks on the road, but it’s not a daunting schedule with matchups against the Texans, Colts, Bears, and Titans. On the defensive side, Carolina has a talented trio of edge rusher Brian Burns, defensive tackle Derrick Brown and cornerback Jaycee Horn. To win the division, the Panthers will need their rookie QB to make quick strides and the inexperienced defensive players to develop into reliable playmakers.

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