With the Carolina Panthers’ schedule officially released, we took an early look at how their campaign might go game-by-game in 2021.
The Carolina Panthers have a big season ahead of them in 2021. It’s been another extremely eventful few months in terms of player turnover ahead of the second year of Matt Rhule’s time as head coach, with the team looking to build on some encouraging performances last time out despite finishing with a 5-11 record.
Things will not be easy for the Panthers, of that there is little doubt. Much will depend on how their new quarterback Sam Darnold adjusts to his new surroundings after he was acquired via trade from the New York Jets, which represents a big gamble on a player who hasn’t shown much of anything over his three years in the league so far.
Talented young members of the roster must continue to develop their craft in the hope of improved production during the upcoming campaign. If the likes of Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, Jeremy Chinn, and Yetur Gross-Matos can all continue trending upward, Phil Snow’s defense should be one of the league’s most explosive.
There is also the small matter of running back Christian McCaffrey making a welcome return to health. The All-Pro turned out in just three games in 2020 due to various injury problems and having him in the lineup will be like a new signing for the Panthers next season.
With the schedule now confirmed, we took an in-depth look at Carolina’s season game by game and projected the outcome of each contest.
Carolina Panthers vs. New York Jets
- Week 1 (Sunday, September 12)
- 1 pm ET
- CBS
If Sam Darnold was keeping a close eye on where he will be taking the field against his old team, the signal-caller didn’t have to examine the schedule for too long. The Carolina Panthers welcome the New York Jets to Bank of America Stadium in Week 1 for what should be a fascinating insight into what fans can expect from their new quarterback over the course of the campaign.
Darnold feels hard done by following his trade, and rightfully so. The Jets didn’t make the necessary moves to put enough talent around their former No. 3 overall selection and kept faith with Adam Gase until it was too late.
There is nothing Darnold can do about this now. What’s important for the player is becoming a leader quickly and putting the abundance of weapons at his disposal in the best possible situations to make plays in Carolina.
In theory, this will be the best time to play the Jets, who made an incredible amount of changes to the roster and have a new head coach in Robert Saleh that is sure to turn things around if given enough time.
Prediction: Win
Zach Wilson is going to get a baptism of fire against the outstanding defensive front in Carolina. Although it’s obviously going to be almost entirely dependent on Darnold holding his nerve, the Panthers should get their season off on the right foot.
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints
- Week 2 (Sunday, September 19)
- 1 pm
- FOX
There is so much unknown about the New Orleans Saints heading into the 2021 season that it’s hard to predict just to expect. Legendary signal-caller Drew Brees has been a real thorn in the Carolina Panthers’ side over the years, so it will come as a relief to the team’s loyal fanbase that the quarterback finally decided to hang up his cleats this offseason.
A familiar face in the NFC South is set to take over under center. Jameis Winston’s erratic displays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019 were well documented and whether he has fixed some of this learning behind Brees last season remains to be seen.
The Saints were forced to go through some substantial cost-cutting measures due to the reduced salary cap, which only heightens concerns that they might not be the force of old. This would be great news for the Panthers in pursuit of making a little more noise in a critical second campaign under Rhule.
Prediction: Win
This is all going to come down to whether Carolina can stop Alvin Kamara. They should have more than enough to put some solid points on the board, so if they can keep one of the NFL’s best dual-threat backs quiet and place the game in Winston’s hands, they might just come away with another victory.
Carolina Panthers at Houston Texans
- Week 3 (Thursday, September 23)
- 8.30 pm
- NFL Network
The Carolina Panthers get their taste of prime time early in the 2021 season when they visit the Houston Texans, which was added to the schedule as part of the league shifting to a 17-game campaign. This also represents a fantastic opportunity to pick up a win on the road against a team that has undergone a complete roster overhaul and has plenty of questions lingering about their star quarterback Deshaun Watson.
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that Watson faces an uncertain future. He is currently going through some serious legal accusations that may result in a suspension somewhere down the line. But even if this does resolve before the season, it’s highly unlikely the former Clemson star will be turning out for the Texans again.
Watson handed in a trade request that saw the Panthers reportedly willing to do whatever it takes to bring him back to an area where he starred in college. Such was their level of interest, team owner David Tepper and others within the organization took one last look at his situation before pulling the trigger on Sam Darnold.
Prediction: Win
The Panthers have to win this game to stand any chance of making some noise further down the line. There is certainly enough talent to achieve this, which would put them at 3-0 and with plenty of positive momentum in this scenario.
Carolina Panthers at Dallas Cowboys
- Week 4 (Sunday, October 3)
- 1 pm
- FOX
A good period of rest for the Carolina Panthers before traveling to take on the Dallas Cowboys could help them. But that does not detract from the size of the task awaiting the team at AT&T Stadium.
Yes, the Cowboys have flattered to deceive for the best part of three decades now. However, this is a loaded roster from top to bottom, and providing their defense can improve their end of the bargain, they could be a team to watch in 2021.
Dak Prescott got what he wanted despite going down with a serious leg injury early in the season. The quarterback signed a bumper new deal and goes into the season knowing those in power have every confidence he can help them achieve their goals.
Their decision to select Micah Parsons in the first round is another major move that could bring instant rewards. The Panthers will need to account for where he is on the field at all times and if veteran players on defense also show enough improvements, it’s going to be difficult for Carolina.
Prediction: Loss
This is sure to be a close game between two well-matched teams. But Dallas might just have enough in front of their home crowd to pull this one out of the bag and condemn the Panthers to a first defeat of the campaign.
Carolina Panthers vs. Philadelphia Eagles
- Week 5 (Sunday, October 10)
- 1 pm
- FOX
The Carolina Panthers get a solid opportunity to get another win on the board when they take on the Philadelphia Eagles, who made a big call to trade Carson Wentz and give Jalen Hurts the keys to the kingdom moving forward. There is no doubt the former Oklahoma star comes with some promise, but whether he can make the necessary adjustments to become a prolific NFL starter is another matter entirely.
Philadelphia got better on the offensive side of the ball by trading up to take Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith in the draft. Despite being a little undersized for the next level, the wideout has elite route-running skills and is elusive enough to generate notable yards every time he touches the football.
That being said, it’s on defense where the Eagles can be vulnerable. The additions of Darius Slay, Eric Wilson, and Anthony Harris will help, but there is no reason to suggest that the Panthers cannot do some serious damage with the talent at their disposal.
Prediction: Win
A 4-1 start would be beyond anybody’s wildest dreams. It promises to be far tougher as the season goes on. But considering Carolina’s less than daunting start to the campaign, it represents the perfect opportunity to get everyone believing in their chances of further progress once again.
Carolina Panthers vs. Minnesota Vikings
- Week 6 (Sunday, October 17)
- 1 pm
- FOX
It was another case of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory when the Carolina Panthers visited the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. The team was in a commanding position in the second half thanks in no small part to Jeremy Chinn’s two touchdowns in consecutive defensive plays, but Teddy Bridgewater’s failure to connect with a wide-open D.J. Moore in the end zone heading into the fourth quarter was enough for Mike Zimmer’s men to earn a come-from-behind triumph.
Carolina gets another shot at the Vikings at Bank of America in Week 6 and will be coming into the contest riding on the crest of a wave. Although confidence will be high if things play out this way in terms of results, Minnesota should not be taken lightly and they should be a far sterner test than the Panthers faced last season.
This is primarily down to a much-improved defensive front that includes free-agent signing Dalvin Tomlinson. They also get Danielle Hunter and Michael Pierce back from injury and opting out, so this should be an area of real strength for the Vikings once again.
Couple this with a prolific running back in Dalvin Cook, a potent wide receiver combination in Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson, and a quarterback in Kirk Cousins who was superb following their bye week, and it’s not hard to see why this is going to be a challenge.
Prediction: Win
Much like the Cowboys game, this is one that could go either way. However, the Panthers might be able to generate some pressure against Minnesota’s offensive line that could make the difference.
Carolina Panthers at New York Giants
- Week 7 (Sunday, October 24)
- 1 pm
- FOX
Sam Darnold does get the chance to play at MetLife Stadium this season, although he is sure to get a less than welcoming reception when the Carolina Panthers clash with the New York Giants. The quarterback needs to keep his composure in no uncertain terms – but this does appear to be a winnable game providing everyone on the roster performs to the level expected.
The Giants have made some impressive additions both during free agency and the draft. There should be no more excuses where Daniel Jones is concerned with the presence of Kenny Golladay on the outside and the return of running back Saquon Barkley, who is going to be chomping at the bit to get back to his sensational form of old after missing most of the 2020 campaign with a serious knee problem.
One area where the Giants look particularly strong is their secondary, which consists of former Panthers cornerback James Bradberry. This will be something of a revenge game for the player after Carolina opted not to stump up the money to keep him around, and he will know more about their personnel than most.
Prediction: Win
This is going to come down to mistakes and which team makes the fewest of them. New York will fancy their chances against Darnold after seeing first-hand how he underperformed on the Jets, but this could give the quarterback some added motivation in front of a hostile crowd.
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
- Week 8 (Sunday, October 31)
- 1 pm
- FOX
Considering how much offensive talent is on display for both teams, this one could turn into a shootout. That is exactly how the Atlanta Falcons want it due to their obvious concerns stopping teams, so it will be up to the Carolina Panthers to control the clock efficiently and make the most out of their red zone opportunities when they come.
Teddy Bridgewater might moan about the lack of practice reps when it comes to this critical area, but his decision-making is something that can’t be coached out of a player his age. Sam Darnold cannot afford to make the same sort of mistakes and he’ll have his work cut out for him if the Panthers cannot contain defensive tackle Grady Jarrett better than they did in 2020.
The cornerback trio of Donte Jackson, Jaycee Horn, and A.J. Bouye will also have a huge say in this one. Atlanta boasts a dynamic passing attack that might just have Julio Jones around despite recent trade speculation. So if the All-Pro is healthy alongside Calvin Ridley and first-round pick Kyle Pitts, it will take some stopping.
Prediction: Loss
There is normally little to separate the Panthers and Falcons in divisional matchups. Expect that to be the case again with the home side coming out on top by fine margins.
Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots
- Week 9 (Sunday, November 7)
- 1 pm
- CBS
This is the one that Carolina Panthers fans have been waiting for.
Cam Newton makes his triumphant return to Bank of America Stadium in Week 9 with the New England Patriots, which is a revenge game for the quarterback following his messy release from the organization last year. This is all the motivation needed for the 2015 NFL MVP and he will be eager to get one over on the team that gave up on him in favor of Teddy Bridgewater.
It’s going to be an emotionally charged occasion, to put it mildly. Bill Belichick knows how to make Sam Darnold extremely uncomfortable from their previous clashes and if the same happens again, it might be a long afternoon for Carolina.
Prediction: Loss
This defeat has nothing really to do with Newton, although he’ll need to perform well if he is still starting over Mac Jones by this point. However, the Patriots made some outstanding additions in free agency, got some exceptional talent via the draft, and will also be getting key personnel back on defense who opted out in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns.
Oh, and that’s not forgetting Belichick’s increased sense of urgency after Tom Brady won another Super Bowl in his first season away from the franchise.
Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals
- Week 10 (Sunday, November 14)
- 1 pm
- FOX
This is the time of year when the Carolina Panthers will no doubt be battered and bruised, eagerly looking forward to their Week 13 bye. There will be plenty of football to be played before then, with the Arizona Cardinals representing another stern test of their credentials coming off a pair of defeats in this projection.
The Cardinals appear right on the cusp of something special providing Kyler Murray takes another leap forward in 2021. His level of production over the first half of last season was exceptional before some injury struggles to hamper his ability to make a lasting contribution down the stretch, something that eventually cost his team a playoff spot in a tough division.
At least on paper, this could be a daunting challenge for the Panthers.
Arizona’s offense has an embarrassment of riches with DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green, Rondale Moore, Chase Edmonds, James Conner, and Christian Kirk leading the charge. So it will be interesting to see how Carolina counteracts this supreme threat.
Prediction: Win
This could be a war of attrition and one that the Panthers need to be on top early to win. If they can do this and keep Murray in the pocket, they might just secure another success.
Carolina Panthers vs. Washington Football Team
- Week 11 (Sunday, November 21)
- 1 pm
- FOX
Former Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera and wide receiver Curtis Samuel return to Bank of America Stadium and will fancy their chances of victory with the Washington Football Team. Their Week 16 clash went the way of Matt Rhule in 2020 thanks in no small part to the inept play of Dwayne Haskins under center, but the hosts might not be as fortunate this time around.
Washington made the playoffs in a dismal NFC East last season and looked primed for another bold bid this time around. Their defense is among the NFL’s best with a ferocious defensive front to call upon, so quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will have to do nothing more than manage games in pursuit of victory.
The veteran signal-caller does have a lot of talent around him, which now includes Samuel after he departed the Panthers for big money in free agency. His knowledge of Joe Brady’s scheme is something that might also assist Washington in their preparations, so the offensive coordinator needs to come up with something a little bit different for this encounter.
Prediction: Loss
Washington’s front seven causes absolute havoc on almost every down. The Panthers still have some doubts regarding their offensive line and if they don’t resist what is sure to be constant pressure, then defeat will follow.
Carolina Panthers at Miami Dolphins
- Week 12 (Sunday, November 28)
- 1 pm
- FOX
The Carolina Panthers’ final game before their long-awaited Week 13 bye comes at the Miami Dolphins, who have steadily progressed under head coach Brian Flores and could be set to make some more noise in 2021. Their fortunes lie squarely on the shoulders of second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who went through some rookie complications that need to be eradicated in Year 2.
Having Will Fuller, Jaylen Waddle, and DeVante Parker as his wideout trio won’t hurt. All three have exceptional speed and the playmaking ability to match. Tagovailoa is also set to benefit from a prominent pass-catching tight end in Mike Gesicki both across the middle and in the red zone, so it’s hard to envisage a situation where he cannot achieve more as the unquestioned starter.
Couple this with a dynamic young defense led by All-Pro cornerback Xavien Howard, and it’s not hard to see why the Dolphins are quietly fancied to make the postseason in 2021.
Prediction: Loss
Defeat here leaves the Panthers sitting at 7-5 at the bye week following a hugely impressive start and a mid-season slump. However, there will still be all to play for when Carolina gets a huge period of rest that lasts all the way up to December 12.
Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons
- Week 14 (Sunday, December 12)
- 1 pm
- FOX
Hopefully, the bye week will reinvigorate the Carolina Panthers as they look to avenge their defeat to the Atlanta Falcons earlier in the season. Bank of America Stadium would be rocking for this one with the team sitting in contention for a playoff spot, so the fans could play an important part down the stretch.
As stated previously, the Falcons have an offense that gives every defensive coordinator in the league nightmares. Carolina will have a better indication of how to limit them from their first outing, so putting as much pressure as possible on Matt Ryan will be critical to their chances.
The Panthers can do this with Brian Burns, Haason Reddick, and Derrick Brown on their defensive front. Plenty of responsibility is sure to fall on the shoulders of Mike Davis after he departed Carolina for Atlanta in free agency, but whether he can do enough is another matter.
Prediction: Win
Fresh legs and minds should be enough for the Panthers to get a vital victory against an NFC South rival. But things might not be as easy down the stretch during what looks to be a brutal end to the 2021 campaign for a team that has a lot to play for if results pan out this way.
Carolina Panthers at Buffalo Bills
- Week 15 (December 18/19)
- Time: TBD
- TV: TBD
Of all the times to go to the Buffalo Bills, this is one of the worst. It is sure to be freezing up north for the Carolina Panthers and something they’ll have to manage to stand any chance of pulling off an upset against a team who have lofty ambitions of going one better and winning the AFC in 2021.
There are plenty of Carolina connections in Buffalo, both from a player standpoint and within their front office and coaching staff. This familiarity won’t count for much when it’s time to get on the gridiron, although plenty of personal pride is at stake.
Stopping the Bills at this time of year is incredibly difficult. Josh Allen looks a star in the making under center and the acquisition of Stefon Diggs has taken the offense to even greater heights.
Emmanuel Sanders has joined their wide receiver room this offseason, with the pass-rush also getting younger and more physical with the presence of draft picks Gregory Rousseau and Carlos Basham Jr.
Prediction: Loss
It’s hard to see Carolina winning this one considering the difference in quality and the fact this game is being played at the backend of the campaign. Coming out of it unscathed might be more important than the result itself if one looks at the bigger picture.
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Week 16 (Sunday, December 26)
- 1 pm
- FOX
The Carolina Panthers welcome the Super Bowl champions for their final home game of the 2021 season and it promises to be a fantastic atmosphere providing they are still in the mix for a postseason place. Tom Brady has bigger ambitions than merely making the playoffs in pursuit of his eighth ring next time around, so it’s hard to believe they won’t also have plenty at stake when the two teams square off.
Keeping every single starter from their title-winning team was probably demoralizing for other challengers. But it’s further proof of the level of respect to which Brady is held. Players like getting paid and they know someone like the veteran quarterback can bring a boost in numbers and team success that is always highly sought after.
The Panthers were involved in a lot of close games in 2020. But those did not come against the Buccaneers after two convincing wins for Bruce Arians’ men during the campaign.
Prediction: Loss
Toppling the Bucs won’t be easy. The pressure will be well and truly on and considering the experience Brady and company possess, they’ll have the upper hand when push comes to shove.
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
- Week 17 (Sunday, January 2, 2022)
- 1 pm
- FOX
This game is of critical importance for the Carolina Panthers, who come into the game with an 8-7 record and probably knowing they need to win out in order to reach the postseason. The New Orleans Saints will not make things easy for their divisional rivals by any stretch of the imagination, with the Mercedez-Benz Superdome back to its rowdy self with capacity crowds expected to return in 2021.
How the Panthers handle this sort of pressure remains to be seen. This would be unchartered territory for most of their young roster, so playing the game and not the occasion is the best way they can upset the odds and get a priceless win on the road.
There is simply no telling what sort of aspirations the Saints will harbor by this point. If Jameis Winston doesn’t rid himself of the flaws that cost him his job in Tampa Bay, then it’s difficult to see them in postseason contention despite the wealth of talent elsewhere on their roster.
Prediction: Loss
This would be a heartbreaking loss and one that could determine whether the Panthers will be sitting at home watching the playoffs or taking part themselves. Sean Payton’s had Carolina’s number more often than not over the last few years and home-field advantage cannot be understated in this situation.
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Week 18 (Sunday, January 9, 2022)
- 1 pm
- FOX
The ideal situation here as far as the Carolina Panthers are concerned is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers having nothing to play for in their final game and the luxury of resting the majority of their starters ahead of the playoffs. This would improve their chances of winning dramatically and if Bruce Arians decided to sit Tom Brady in favor of rookie Kyle Trask, they might even be favorites for the contest.
Whether this pans out or not will be dependant on whether the Bucs can perform to a similar standard we saw from them throughout the 2020 playoffs with a bigger bullseye on their backs. This is also a final opportunity for the Panthers to get a winning record for the first time since 2017, which would be seen as a step in the right direction after consecutive 5-11 campaigns.
Prediction: Win
We’ll go on the premise that Tampa Bay will give most of their primary players the day off, or at least most of it. Carolina should see off their second-string comfortably and finish an eventful season on a high note.
Carolina Panthers 2021 record projection: 9-8
After an astonishing 6-1 start in this projection, which the Panthers are more than capable of if everything clicks into place right away, settling for a 9-8 record to finish might be seen as a disappointment. However, it’s important to keep the bigger picture in mind and this would be a massive confidence boost for a young roster who hasn’t experienced meaningful football down the stretch collectively before this season.
Whether this would be enough for a playoff berth, only time will tell. But few would say the Panthers weren’t heading on the right path under Matt Rhule and Scott Fitterer regardless of whether they made the postseason or not.