Panthers game-by-game predictions for second half of 2022 season

Carolina Panthers vs. Broncos

With their Week 13 bye in sight, the Carolina Panthers welcome Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos to Bank of America Stadium. Things might not have gone according to plan for Nathaniel Hackett so far, but there were slight signs of life against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London and this is a threat Steve Wils must take seriously on home soil.

Hackett looks out of his depth to a certain extent. Wilson’s big trade from the Seattle Seahawks and the subsequent massive contract don’t look like the best investment right now, but all that could change down the stretch despite trading star edge rusher Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins.

The Panthers should see this as a winnable game, and rightfully so. However, the Broncos still possess playmakers on both sides of the football, and in Patrick Surtain Jr., they have arguably the NFL’s best young shutdown cornerback.

Taking the Broncos lightly is not an option for Carolina, who aren’t exactly setting the league on fire themselves. But if they can get off on the front foot, it might be enough to rattle Wilson and cause Hackett into the questionable in-game management we’ve seen throughout 2022 so far.

Prediction: Win (4-8)

Again, it’s hard to say one way or another if the Panthers are capable of beating anybody in their current state. Others will need to step up offensively if D.J. Moore gets Surtain’s undivided attention, but another triumph is possible.