4 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers at Falcons in Week 8

Carolina Panthers will top the NFC South

If someone would have told you that the Carolina Panthers would be top of the NFC South just three weeks after Matt Rhule’s firing, they’d have been laughed out of the conversation. But the NFL is a weird and wonderful place.

After the Tampa Bay Buccaneers couldn’t respond on a short week en route to yet another loss, opportunity knocks for the Panthers. Beating the Atlanta Falcons surges them into first, which is nothing short of extraordinary given the turmoil surrounding the organization.

Despite this newfound optimism, fans have every right to remain skeptical. The Panthers are still at 2-5 and there is no guarantee that quarterback P.J. Walker’s heroics is something he can accomplish consistently based on his career trajectory so far.

This is going to be a game of fine margins. But one could make a strong case for Carolina boasting far more talent across the board if key men such as Jaycee Horn make a welcome return from injury.

Steve Wilks is leading a mini-culture shift within the Panthers. He was on the coaching staff when the going was extremely good – perhaps the best in franchise history – so tapping into this experience is something that can lead Carolina to their third win of the season and a shock lead in the NFC South.