3 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers in Week 3

The Carolina Panthers will be looking to avoid their first 0-3 start to the season since 2010 when they travel to Los Angeles to face the Chargers.

It’s never a good idea to make hasty proclamations in the first quarter for the season, but Week 3 could prove to be make-or-break for the Carolina Panthers.

Looking at the schedule ahead, this contest may be the most winnable game the Carolina Panthers will have in a long time. The next four opponents are a combined 5-3 so far and after that, more tough teams will arise in the Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers, and New Orleans Saints.

If the Panthers want to win, they’ll have to take advantage of rookie quarterback Justin Herbert who performed well against the Chiefs last week.

On the offensive side, Carolina will have to face a scrappy Chargers defense without the services of their best player, running back Christian McCaffrey. Making matters worse, the Chargers possess perhaps the best pass rush threat the Panthers have faced so far, led by Joey Bosa.

History is well on the Panthers’ side this week. Carolina has dominated the Chargers, winning five out of six meetings, including a 3-0 record on the road and a current three-game winning streak.

Continuing this may rely heavily on offensive creativity and capitalizing on Herbert’s inexperience.

Here are a couple of other fun facts: this will be the Panthers’ very first game in the new SoFi stadium, the Chargers’ brand new home that they share with the LA Rams.

And as of now, this is also the only 4.05 PM EST game Carolina will play all year. And here are three big and bold predictions for Sunday’s matchup.