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

Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ending the season with two road games against NFC South rivals is not exactly the best situation for the Carolina Panthers after such a grueling campaign. But it will be up to everyone across the organization to pull together for one last push before potentially participating in the playoffs.

That might seem like a stretch for a team that’s currently among the bottom-feeders in any power rankings you see in the national media. However, the introduction of Baker Mayfield under center provides hope they could emerge as a surprise package if the former No.1  overall selection can get back to the form we saw in 2020.

Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won’t be willing to roll over by any stretch. They’ll likely want to build positive momentum before their own playoff challenge as the legendary signal-caller looks to go out on the biggest of highs with yet another Super Bowl, so the task will be incredibly steep.

If the Panthers play with confidence, anything is possible. But a lack of experience in this sort of situation could prove to be their undoing.

Prediction: Lose (9-7)

With the Bucs also expected to have Chris Godwin back at this stage of the season, it only makes things more difficult for the Panthers.