Predicting the final 4 games as Panthers look to clinch NFC South

Carolina Panthers at Buccaneers

This one could be for all the marbles. Something nobody would have predicted after the Carolina Panthers fired Matt Rhule following a 1-4 start.

It’s another strong indicator of how far the Panthers are coming under Steve Wilks. His no-nonsense approach and cultural reset are two elements that players are responding to positively, but this represents a stern challenge despite how tough the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have found things in 2022 so far.

Tom Brady and the Bucs are just not executing well in any phase of play right now. Their schedule is also pretty tough down the stretch, although Kyler Murray’s injury and the Atlanta Falcons moving forward with rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder ease their concerns slightly.

Carolina will possess a significant amount of momentum in this scenario. Meaningful football in December hasn’t been achieved for some time, but there is an experience issue to consider given that many players haven’t tasted anything but losing since entering the league.

Prediction: Loss (7-9)

This could go either way, especially if Tampa Bay doesn’t figure things out between now and when the Panthers come calling. Carolina had their way with Brady earlier this season – restricting the legendary signal-caller to three points – but he somehow always comes through in these situations, which could be the deciding factor.