After another eventful offseason for the Carolina Panthers, how could the team fare during a crossroads campaign in 2022?
It’s been a long summer full of drama and rumors surrounding the Carolina Panthers. Now, attention turns to putting together a better product during the 2022 season.
In terms of stakes, things could not be more perilous. Three consecutive five-win campaigns – two under head coach Matt Rhule – means legitimate progress is essential if some prominent figures within the organization want to keep their jobs.
The Panthers boast plenty of talent across the board. But some problem areas could become weak links and Rhule also needs to adjust far better in games that he has over his opening two campaigns.
Things are hanging in the balance, but there is a quiet sense of optimism if everything goes well immediately. With this in mind, we took a look at how Carolina might fare in our final game-by-game predictions for 2022.
Week 1
Carolina Panthers vs. Cleveland Browns
What a game to get everyone started.
Baker Mayfield going up against his former team in Week 1 is nothing short of fascinating. But this represents a fantastic chance for the Carolina Panthers to set the tone in front of their home fans at Bank of America Stadium.
Prediction: Win (1-0)
All the headlines will be centered on Mayfield. However, the Panthers’ defense could give backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett an endless amount of problems providing they can cope sufficiently with an exceptional Cleveland Browns rushing attack.
Carolina Panthers at New York Giants
Nobody associated with the Carolina Panthers wants to remember what transpired when the team visited MetLife Stadium in 2021. This was one of the most embarrassing losses during a dismal campaign and something those in power will not want to repeat in Week 2.
There are some intriguing storylines attached to this one. Ben McAdoo is a former head coach of the New York Giants, so he’ll want to exact some revenge on the team that fired him after a promising start turned sour.
This also features two running backs plagued by injury looking to bounce back in Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley. Keeping the All-Pro fit is crucial this season, so it’ll be interesting to see how Carolina deploys the Stanford product over the first few weeks of the campaign.
At least from the outside looking in, this is another good chance for the Panthers to get an early road victory. Although much will also depend on how quickly head coach Brian Daboll can turn things around in New York.
Prediction: Win (2-0)
The Panthers have more than enough to beat the Giants on paper. But they can ill afford the same errors that resulted in an absolute hammering last season.
Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints
The first divisional battle of the campaign sees two former No. 1 overall selections clashing at Bank of America Stadium. Jameis Winston will once again lead the New Orleans Saints in the immediate aftermath of Sean Payton’s departure, with Baker Mayfield also looking for a road to redemption in 2022.
Mayfield’s transition has gone far better than many anticipated this offseason. He’s picked up the scheme quickly, integrated well with teammates, and also looks far more focused on football than at any stage during his four years on the Cleveland Browns.
Once again, this is a chance to set the tone and stake a claim within the NFC South. Carolina isn’t seen as a leading contender by anyone, but that might change if they can get a few wins in the column early in the season.
The Saints remain strong after some significant salary-cap maneuvering. One or two key departures left, but New Orleans also managed to acquire some intriguing individuals such as Jarvis Landry, Tyrann Mathieu, and Marcus Maye to bolster their hopes.
Prediction: Win (3-0)
This will be a game of fine margins, one suspects. But coming through in close contests such as this is exactly why the Panthers brought Mayfield into the fold, to begin with.
Carolina Panthers vs. Arizona Cardinals
This is a good time to play the Arizona Cardinals. Kyler Murray won’t have the benefit of stud wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins through suspension, but taking them lightly is not an option given how precarious things are for the Carolina Panthers in 2022.
Arizona has enough firepower to compensate for Hopkins’ missing time. They also possess an explosive defense full of dynamic playmakers that can alter the course of any contest when in the mood.
Baker Mayfield will need the offensive line switched on and productive from start to finish in pursuit of extending their unbeaten run. J.J. Watt is still a real force coming off the edge when healthy, with the likes of Zaven Collins and Isaiah Simmons providing energy and athleticism that warrants considerable attention at the second level.
There is a situation where Mayfield might be able to do some damage against the Cardinals secondary despite the presence of safety Budda Baker. But they must make red-zone opportunities count in pursuit of this goal.
Prediction: Win (4-0)
A 4-0 start might seem unrealistic and something of a pipedream. However, it’s worth remembering Carolina started last season 3-0 before losing 12 of their final 14 contests.
Carolina Panthers vs. San Francisco 49ers
There aren’t many more intriguing teams than the San Francisco 49ers in 2022. They have a roster primed for yet another deep postseason run, but their fortunes hinge squarely on the shoulders of quarterback Trey Lance during his first season as the team’s starter.
Lance is an enigmatic character. On one side, he was every physical tool imaginable to become a star, even if there is very little football experience to call upon in college or pros in recent years.
If Kyle Shanahan didn’t think Lance was ready, then Jimmy Garoppolo would be under center. The Niners have a phenomenal running game, a prolific offensive line, and one of the league’s best dual-threat weapons in Deebo Samuel to assist their new signal-caller next year and beyond, so this is an opportunity the North Dakota State product cannot waste.
Not only this, but San Francisco’s defense is also a force to be reckoned with led by prolific pass-rusher Nick Bosa. Simply put, this will be a tough challenge for the Carolina Panthers despite building some positive momentum over the first few weeks.
Prediction: Loss (4-1)
This doesn’t look like a good matchup for Carolina. Especially considering there are serious concerns about the team’s run-stopping ability that the Niners might expose at will.
Carolina Panthers at Los Angeles Rams
Traveling to the defending Super Bowl champions is probably not what the Carolina Panthers are looking forward to. But being the heavy underdog is something Matt Rhule and his players can put to good use regardless of the result.
Nobody is expecting the Panthers to get anything from this one. This could provide them with an extra sense of freedom and relaxation in the face of some stern competition.
Los Angeles looks ready to make a strong title defense. They are loaded from top to bottom and possess arguably the league’s best overall player in Aaron Donald after he didn’t go through with retirement suggestions this offseason.
Perhaps this sort of atmosphere can lead to better fortunes for Carolina. Although tipping them to come away from SoFi Stadium with the win is stretching things based on the talent differences between both rosters.
Prediction: Loss (4-2)
If the Panthers lose this one, it’s not the end of the world in all honesty. However, they do not want to get embarrassed to such a degree that it impacts morale moving into the midway stage of the campaign.
Carolina Panthers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This could be the last dance for Tom Brady after his almost instant backtrack on retirement this offseason. Just what the legendary quarterback has to prove at 45 years old and with six rings is anyone’s guess, but it puts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in pole position to win the NFC South and go deep into the playoffs once again.
There is a new head coach in Todd Bowles and plenty of weapons at Brady’s disposal. If the Carolina Panthers want to remain competitive against a team that’s had their number of late, everyone needs to perform up to or above expectations.
Carolina cannot afford any passengers in the face of such impressive opposition. This will be a good measuring stick to see where the Panthers are after the initial bedding-in period.
Divisional rivalries are always intense. But the Panthers need Baker Mayfield on red-hot form in pursuit of going toe-to-toe with Brady at Bank of America Stadium and perhaps pulling off an upset.
Prediction: Loss (4-3)
This might be a lot closer than people think. However, the Bucs should be considered favorites until Carolina proves worthy of challenging them.
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
Going into their game at the Atlanta Falcons with three-straight losses in this scenario raises the stakes. This is also a winnable game for the Carolina Panthers as they look to attain a surprise wildcard spot in 2022.
Atlanta is going through a transition period after opting to trade quarterback Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts in the wake of their failed pursuit of Deshaun Watson. Marcus Mariota will be tasked with picking up the load, with rookie Desmond Ridder waiting in the wings if their free-agent signing fails to meet modest goals.
The Panthers have more at their disposal than the Falcons right now. Jaycee Horn returning from a broken foot should also see him lock horns with stud tight end Kyle Pitts once again after a mesmerizing battle at the college level.
Providing morale hasn’t been bashed too much with three consecutive defeats, Carolina can feel confident about getting one over on a team that might be in with a shot of landing the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Prediction: Win (5-3)
Controlling the tempo is key to any success that comes Carolina’s way in Week 8. If this can be achieved, then a win should follow.
Carolina Panthers at Cincinnati Bengals
After their Cinderella run to the AFC Championship and a Super Bowl appearance in 2021, the Cincinnati Bengals won’t be a surprise that teams don’t see coming this time around. Something quarterback Joe Burrow and what looks like a deep roster has to be ready for.
This will be a tough ask for the Carolina Panthers. The Bengals made some vast improvements to their offensive line this offseason and kept most of their top guys around for another strong postseason push, so it’s going to take a significant effort on the road to keep this close.
Cincinnati’s balance is something that set them apart. Their running game is strong, they boast three dynamic wide receivers, one of the league’s best young quarterbacks, and also have a defense that can make things happen at all three levels.
The Panthers will be heavy underdogs for this game, one suspects. But much like the situation when they visit the Los Angeles Rams, it’s something they can use to their benefit.
Prediction: Loss (5-4)
Baker Mayfield is no stranger to the Bengals having spent four years in the AFC North. Whether this familiarity is enough for Carolina to pull off an upset remains to be seen.
Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons
A quick turnaround between the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons takes place on Thursday Night Football. This is the only primetime game for Matt Rhule’s men in 2022, so there’s no better time to showcase their credentials against an NFC South rival.
Under the lights at Bank of America Stadium is always special. But that does not detract from what an important game this is for the Panthers with the national spotlight glaring.
Who knows what the Falcons will look like at this stage? They do have some elite players such as cornerback A.J. Terrell, but Arthur Smith’s roster has far more questions than answers right now and that’s unlikely to change throughout the upcoming campaign.
Taking every opportunity and showing conviction as the favorite is something the Panthers couldn’t accomplish last season. With Baker Mayfield under center and Christian McCaffrey back at full health, this has the potential to shift course in a hurry.
Prediction: Win (6-4)
If the Panthers cannot get the job done against the Falcons at home, it could lead to further complications at the business end of the campaign. Remaining focused and aggressive should be enough before things get tougher in the coming weeks.
Carolina Panthers at Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson is betting on himself this season and is refusing to budge on contract demands while almost every eligible quarterback is getting generational wealth. The Baltimore Ravens know this situation could become a distraction, but not having an agent is complicating the process as both sides work towards a long-term deal.
Jackson looks fully healthy and ready to potentially guide the Ravens back into the Super Bowl hunt. Going to Baltimore at this time of the year only adds to the challenge where the Carolina Panthers are concerned.
Defensively, the Panthers must be ready for anything. Jackson’s exceptional dual-threat capabilities are well documented, but others such as Mark Andrews and J.K. Dobbins also command respect and can break off big plays at any given moment.
The Ravens were luckless on the health front in 2021. Now everyone is back, they’ll be a tough proposition to overcome for almost every team in the league.
Prediction: Loss (6-5)
Winning in the trenches is the only way Carolina has a chance in this one. But if Jackson or others are hurt by this point, it completely shifts the dynamic.
Carolina Panthers vs. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have new ownership, a head coach, and a quarterback in Russell Wilson that represents a huge upgrade on anything they’ve had since the days of Peyton Manning. Making noise in the AFC will be difficult, but this looks like a well-balanced outfit with the right blend of youth and experience capable of securing postseason football, at the very least.
Wilson’s time on the Seattle Seahawks had run its course. A fresh start was exactly what the signal-caller needed and this was the place he wanted to end up above all else.
It’s not hard to see why. Wilson has weapons galore in the passing game and a legitimate 1-2 punch at wide receiver in the form of Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams, who looked like an absolute stud in Year 1 of his professional career.
With that being said, this is a game the Carolina Panthers can win. It’ll take a big-time effort, but this might be the signature triumph Matt Rhule’s been looking for since joining the team from Baylor.
Prediction: Win (7-5)
This might be the boldest prediction on the list. But there’s just no telling what this sort of result might do for the Panthers and their overall aspirations heading into their bye week.
Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks
Taking on the Seattle Seahawks on the road might not be the daunting task it once was. The Legion of Boom is long gone and with quarterback Russell Wilson no longer around, head coach Pete Carroll has his work cut out to make this team competitive in 2022.
The 12th man will always provide a rowdy atmosphere. Something the Carolina Panthers must be ready for after an extended period of rest during their bye week.
This is the time when major adjustments can be implemented and key players heal from a bruising schedule so far. In this scenario, the Panthers would also be right in the thick of things regarding a wildcard berth, even if the margin for error is slim.
Seattle is moving forward with Geno Smith as their starter next season. Whether he’ll be under center by this point with Drew Lock also on the roster is debatable given how close the quarterback battle was between the two this summer.
Prediction: Win (8-5)
The Panthers should be fresh and raring to go for this game. It won’t be easy, but there is nothing to fear despite the presence of wide receiver D.K. Metcalf to worry about.
Carolina Panthers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
With quarterback Ben Roethlisberger retired and a new era dawning within the Pittsburgh Steelers, one could be forgiven for writing them off within a hugely competitive AFC North next season. However, the presence of head coach Mike Tomlin – who has never had a losing season – means any team thinking they’ll be a walkover could live to regret it.
The Carolina Panthers don’t have the luxury of taking anything for granted. Matt Rhule’s attained 10 wins in two seasons and the jury is still out as to whether or not he can become a successful NFL head coach entering Year 3 of his tenure.
There are no such concerns about Tomlin. A supreme motivator that knows the game of football inside out and has enjoyed a superb amount of success along the way.
Defensively, the Steelers are strong. They also have enough weapons in the passing game and Najee Harris looking to build on a positive rookie campaign.
Doubts remain about the quarterback situation with Mitchell Trubisky and Kenny Pickett. Pittsburgh’s offensive line might also become a weak link based on their current options.
Prediction: Loss (8-6)
Losing this would be a bitter blow entering the stretch. But one couldn’t dismiss the notion entirely unless Rhule counteracts Pittsburgh’s threat more effectively depending on the in-game situations.
Carolina Panthers vs. Detroit Lions
The Carolina Panthers wrap up their home fixtures with a Christmas Eve cracker against the Detroit Lions. Although the NFC North club has been perennial bottom-feeders in recent years, there is a growing belief that Dan Campbell can finally get this organization back to relevancy as soon as next season.
Playing hard-nosed, physical football is the Lions’ new way under Campbell. And in fairness to them, they played hard right until the end despite another losing season and the No. 2 overall selection, which they used on stud pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
Carolina needs to be highly motivated for this one as the Lions will not be doing them any favors. The prospect of a winning record is the overall prize, which would send those in attendance at Bank of America Stadium home with plenty of festive cheer.
There are ways to expose the Lions providing the offensive line lives up to their end of the bargain. The doubts surrounding quarterback Jared Goff are there for all to see, so getting him off his spot with consistent pressure is crucial in the face of an outstanding tackle tandem in Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker.
Prediction: Win (9-6)
This would be a landmark success for the Panthers. Nine wins at this stage are better than many expect and might be enough for playoff football at long last in an NFC conference that isn’t expected to be littered with contenders.
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As stated previously, Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have easily disposed of the Carolina Panthers since he move from the New England Patriots. Results haven’t been particularly close, either.
Whether the Panthers can muster enough for this to change in 2022 remains to be seen. The wheels must fall off Brady at some stage, but nothing from the signal-caller’s production last season suggests he’ll fall off a cliff next time around.
Tampa Bay is also likely to be fighting for playoff seeding with two games remaining. If the Panthers have nine wins by this stage, then there will be a lot on the line at Raymond James Stadium.
This is the time of year when Brady excels. The postseason face goes on and this translates across the roster, which represents a significant challenge for a Carolina team that hasn’t had much experience of meaningful football in December.
Prediction: Loss (9-7)
It might be a step too far for the Panthers to break this unwanted streak. The Bucs won’t want to lose momentum heading into the playoffs, so expect them to get one over on Carolina once again.
Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints
There could be more than just divisional pride at stake when the Carolina Panthers conclude the regular season at the New Orleans Saints. This is a hostile atmosphere that’s been known to tip the scales, so keeping composure would be wise for players and coaches alike in pursuit of finishing the campaign on a high.
Prediction: Loss (9-8)
Home-field advantage might be the deciding factor when it’s all said and done. This could also have ramifications about who makes the postseason or not depending on how the Saints fare in 2022.
Carolina Panthers’ final record: 9-8
If the Panthers finished 9-8, it could land them a playoff berth. But adding four wins from the 2021 season represents the biggest sign yet that true growth is being made under the current regime.
This would likely see Matt Rhule get another year. It might also result in Baker Mayfield getting the franchise tag or a longer-term extension as a result of his efforts.
There are no half measures where the Panthers are concerned next season. Their floor is incredibly low, but the team also possesses a high ceiling with a young, hungry group that seems to be pulling in the same direction.
Expecting the worst and hoping for the best is probably wise for now. But the Panthers might just surprise a few if they get lucky on the injury front.