Coming off a two-win season in 2023, it’s clear to say the Carolina Panthers on paper heading into 2024 are the worst team in the NFL.
However, they did make some additions in free agency, in the 2024 NFL Draft, and with their coaching staff with the hiring of Dave Canales as their new head coach. His claim to fame is revitalizing the careers of Geno Smith with the Seattle Seahawks and Baker Mayfield with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Carolina made a few off-season additions especially on their offensive line, signing the likes of guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis in free agency. Their wide receiver core looks more talented this upcoming year, as the Panthers traded for Diontae Johnson and drafted Xavier Legette.
Will this be enough to turn the career around of former first-overall pick Bryce Young with the Carolina Panthers in 2024?
Carolina Panthers: Easiest Stretch
Every game is going to be rough for the Carolina Panthers, even at home without a single prime-time game this season. The only game they sort of have a spotlight on is their international game against the New York Giants in Germany. Other than that, I would say the Panthers could upset the Saints at least once, especially in their season opener at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
The two games Carolina won in 2023 were against C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans, along with a division game against the Falcons. But Atlanta won’t be easy this coming year with their new free-agent veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. The Panthers do have the potential to win one or two out of the four games before their Week 11 bye week.
Carolina Panthers: Toughest Stretch
In the four games after their bye week, it looks impossible for the Carolina Panthers to get one win. They are all against playoff teams like the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys. That is before ending the year with two away games against division foes with the Buccaneers and the Falcons for their second matchups.
From Weeks 12 to 18, there might be only one win during that stretch, as the Panthers have a brutal stretch of games after Week 11. If Carolina struggles mightily before their bye, I am not optimistic about them potentially getting more than a win after, at least on paper. This season is more of just seeing improvement with Young under Canales’ offensive system.
Carolina Panthers: Important Games
The Carolina Panthers home opener in Week 2 is against the Los Angeles Chargers, with a matchup across the country against the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for Week 3. The next two games are against the Cincinnati Bengals at Bank of America Stadium back home and in Chicago against the Bears.
The games that I would consider the Panthers have a shot at are in Week 7 in Washington against the Commanders, Week 8 in Denver against the Broncos despite it being in Mie High and Week 16 against the Arizona Cardinals. Carolina will need a winning streak to start the year, as it isn’t as difficult as their backend schedule.
About the Author
Previously wrote for Fansided NFL Mocks, Pro Football Network, uInterview and uSports, The Crafty Kit, The Daily Culture, and Ironiq Media. Recent Journalism/ Media Studies Grad and wrote for Impact News, the award-winning news publication of Mercy College, now Mercy University.
Now writing for Total Apex, mostly sports like the NFL, college football, the NFL draft, and fantasy football, along with covering my favorite team, the Baltimore Ravens. Also writing for Total Apex E&G about my favorite movies, shows, anime, and sometimes gaming.
You can follow me on Instagram @kimandrew1357, on YouTube @andrewkim1357, and on Twitter (aka X) @kookykim1357.
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