3 keys to success for the Carolina Panthers vs. Browns in Week 1

What are the main keys that will determine who comes out on top between the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns in Week 1?

The Carolina Panthers open up their season at home in Bank of America Stadium against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. An occasion that brings plenty of storylines and a chance for Matt Rhule to get his third year as head coach off to a strong start.

The Panthers are favored by 1.5 points, which is somewhat surprising. Even though there’s been some support for the Browns this week to get the line down from -2.5.

A big storyline in the game is that Baker Mayfield will play his former team who drafted the quarterback at No. 1 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. Cleveland then essentially forced the signal-caller out of town after acquiring Deshaun Watson despite a significant sexual misconduct cloud hanging over the player.

Following that situation, the Panthers picked up Mayfield via trade that represented a good deal in terms of finances and compensation. Fans should hope that the Oklahoma product plays well enough this season to solidify the quarterback position for the next few years.

It might go the other way, too. But this provides the Panthers with a far better chance of making genuine progress with jobs on the line in 2022.

With that being said, here are three main keys that will determine whether the Panthers can emerge victorious in Week 1.