Ranking the Carolina Panthers’ 2020 opponents by toughness

Carolina Panthers’ schedule toughness: Minnesota Vikings (No. 3)

The Minnesota Vikings have undergone some substantial changes to their defense this offseason. But the group overall still looks incredibly strong and could be enough for Mike Zimmer’s men to wrestle back the NFC North title from the Green Bay Packers.

Running back Dalvin Cook is officially holding out in pursuit of a new deal. And the Vikings will not want this situation to drag on into training camp or beyond. They are a far worse team without their second-round pick on the field. So it would be a surprise if the team did not give in to his demands.

Quarterback Kirk Cousins is coming off a career year and an elusive playoff victory. And their defensive spine of Harrison Smith. Eric Kendricks and Danielle Hunter are extremely impressive.

Carolina Panthers schedule toughness: New Orleans Saints (No. 2)

The New Orleans Saints are all-in on winning the Super Bowl during Drew Brees’ last season under center. They come into the season on the back of another disappointing playoff loss to the Minnesota Vikings. But the team has high hopes of a deep run this time around.

Free-agent signing Emmanuel Sanders is set to form a prolific wide receiver duo with Michael Thomas. And it would be a huge shock if Alvin Kamara didn’t get back to his best in front of an imposing offensive line.

Their defense is led by Cameron Jordan and has some nice complementary pieces on the back end. It is not hard to see why they are among the favorites. But this is something that was said of them last season and it is imperative they deliver on their promise in 2020.

Carolina Panthers schedule toughness: Kansas City Chiefs (No. 1)

The Carolina Panthers face the daunting task of trying to overcome the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in 2020. They remain the benchmark in pursuit of back-to-back titles. And they have the new face of the NFL under center in quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The gunslinger is set to become the league’s highest-paid player before competitive action gets underway. And their roster is loaded with players that can produce game-changing moments on any given down.

Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Sammy Watkins provide the firepower in the passing game. And the arrival of draft selection Clyde Edwards-Helaire could give the Chiefs’ the missing piece of the puzzle on running downs.

Their defense got better as the season went on to secure the Vince Lombardi Trophy. And if they can take another step forward with increased confidence, then Andy Reid’s men are going to be almost impossible to stop.