Final Carolina Panthers game by game predictions for 2021 season
By Nick Halden
![(Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) Sam Darnold (Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports) Sam Darnold](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fcatcrave-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2017-2F07-2F16231833-850x560-951e5a96a3184a20bc1fd589804ff4dcd9eb99fe53264a2603a714c13463b851.jpg)
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Week 16 and 18
Despite a very kind schedule, the Carolina Panthers aren’t exactly getting a break at the very end of it facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in two of their final three weeks.
Week 16 is going to be a loss for Carolina and there isn’t any argument or advantage.
Their only chance is if Tampa were to lose focus, doubtful for a team led by Tom Brady and Bruce Arians. The Bucs look like the NFL’s version of the Golden State Warriors when they signed Kevin Durant, a championship team who only got better in the offseason.
As big of a leap as Carolina will take this season they still don’t match up against Brady. However, they will beat Tampa in their second matchup this season.
With a playoff spot locked and the game meaningless to the defending champions, the Panthers could end their campaign on a high.
Week 16 Prediction: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31 Carolina Panthers 17 (8-7)
Week 17 Prediction: Carolina Panthers 24 New Orleans 21 (9-7)
Week 18 Prediction: Carolina Panthers 19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16 (10-7)
Final Record: 10-7
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Carolina will end the season at 10-7 in the wildcard chase and as a team who made a big leap forward after finding their franchise quarterback in Sam Darnold. The Panthers look primed to make more noise on a favorable schedule and a signal-caller that possesses every tool needed to thrive.