Carolina Panthers: Game by game predictions for second half of 2021 season
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Week 18
As end-of-season games go, it doesn’t get much worse than this.
There was a slight chance that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be able to rest some starters for their season finale after locking up the No. 1 seed. They might yet do this, but it appears right now as if there might be a lot to play for in Week 18.
That is nothing but bad news for the Carolina Panthers, who might have one eye already on their upcoming holiday after missing the playoffs once again.
Carolina Panthers final record – 9-8
This would be seen as a major achievement and one that would give Cam Newton an extended stay with the franchise. Picking the team up over the second half of the season en route to their first winning record since 2017 would officially put him back on the map as a reliable starting option.
Judging by how the NFC is looking right now, it could also see the Panthers lock down a surprise Wildcard berth. Especially if the defense and special teams keep performing to such a high standard.
Judging by what we’ve seen so far, there is a huge offseason awaiting the Panthers regardless of their record. But a 9-8 record would indicate things are trending in the right direction.