Panthers game-by-game predictions in 2022 after Baker Mayfield trade

Carolina Panthers vs. Detroit Lions

The home finale comes on Christmas Eve this year and sees the Carolina Panthers clash with the Detroit Lions, who could become a surprise package in Year 2 of Dan Campbell’s reign. Jared Goff’s production remains a serious concern under center, but there was plenty of fight within the organization in 2021 despite results not being quite where they needed to be.

If prominent young players make the necessary strides and No. 2 overall selection Aidan Hutchinson makes an immediate impact, this is a team to watch. A threat that Baker Mayfield and the Panthers must take seriously in pursuit of sending fans home with plenty of festive cheer.

Again, the Panthers have more than enough to get the job done on paper. They also have a quarterback with experience of being involved in meaningful games such as this later in the campaign.

Is that enough? Well, it needs to be considering how tough the final two games of 2022 are for Matt Rhule’s men.

Prediction: Win (9-6)

Carolina getting nine wins with just two games to go is the stuff of dreams. Something that might be enough to attain a wildcard berth within an NFC conference that isn’t exactly littered with contenders.