How could the Carolina Panthers fare during the 2023 season after the NFL finally released the schedule for the upcoming campaign?
After a busy offseason period - one that will live long in the memory of everyone associated with the Carolina Panthers - attention firmly turned to the 2023 campaign. This was thanks in no small part to the NFL officially releasing its schedule, which included their chosen primetime games.
This is the start of an exciting new era for the Panthers. Matt Rhule is thankfully a distant memory, with Frank Reich and his exceptional coaching staff looking to put the right foundations in place for long-term, sustainable success at long last.
They also have Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. The quarterback might go through some growing pains, which isn't uncommon, but his poise, processing, and proven production in clutch situations only raise the level of anticipation heading into the new campaign.
Here is Carolina's full slate of fixtures for the 2023 regular season:
- Week 1: at Falcons
- Week 2: vs. Saints
- Week 3: at Seahawks
- Week 4: vs. Vikings
- Week 5: at Lions
- Week 6: at Dolphins
- Week 7: BYE
- Week 8: vs. Texans
- Week 9: vs. Colts
- Week 10: at Bears
- Week 11: vs. Cowboys
- Week 12: at Titans
- Week 13: at Buccaneers
- Week 14: at Saints
- Week 15: vs. Falcons
- Week 16: vs. Packers
- Week 17: at Jaguars
- Week 18: vs. Buccaneers
So how could things play out in the first year under Reich? We took an in-depth look with a special game-by-game prediction.
Week 1
Carolina Panthers at Falcons - Week 1
Bryce Young's expected first game as an NFL professional and starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers will be at the Atlanta Falcons. A team that harbors big ambitions of their own in 2023 after spending big throughout the offseason.
This is probably a good time to play the Falcons given how many new faces need to jel. However, they'll probably be saying the same all things considered.
Prediction: Win (1-0)
Keeping first-round selection Bijan Robinson quiet will be the key to victory in Atlanta. After missing out on this particular distinction despite some late heroics in 2022, it's something Carolina can attain to get their campaign off on the right foot.
Carolina Panthers vs. Saints - Week 2
The Carolina Panthers home opener has been selected for Monday Night Football. This obviously has a lot to do with Bryce Young's presence under center, although Andy Dalton sits atop the depth chat currently as Frank Reich and his staff make the former Alabama star earn everything coming his way.
If Young's home debut wasn't enough, the New Orleans Saints visiting Bank of America Stadium represents a great chance for Carolina to begin the campaign with back-to-back triumphs against divisional foes. This could prove crucial as the season goes on.
Prediction: Win (2-0)
New Orleans won't be a pushover - especially if veteran quarterback Derek Carr hits the ground running - but Young performs best when the lights are brightest. Something that could be enough to send the fans home happy.
Carolina Panthers at Seahawks - Week 3
As Geno Smith so eloquently put it last season, they wrote him off but he didn't write back. That was also true for the Seattle Seahawks overall, who were dismissed after trading Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos but ended up putting together a much better campaign than expected.
Seattle is quietly fancied to improve on their 9-8 record last time around. Bryce Young won't have faced many louder atmospheres than the one generated by The 12th Man, so it'll be interesting to witness the rookie's coping mechanisms in a high-pressure setting.
Prediction: Loss (2-1)
If Young can lead the Panthers to victory in Seattle, he'll have officially arrived. But it does look like a tall order given how well-balanced Pete Carroll's men appear after an outstanding period of recruitment.
Carolina Panthers vs. Vikings - Week 4
Adam Thielen won't have to wait long for a clash against his former employers. The Minnesota Vikings come to town in Week 4, which will obviously be a strange feeling for the wide receiver after a prolific decade with the team he supported as a child.
That said, Thielen and the Carolina Panthers will be all business. The Vikings have undergone plenty of changes this offseason, but their roster still looks like one that can push for the playoffs with Aaron Rodgers now out of the NFC North.
Prediction: Win (3-1)
This will be difficult, but it's a winnable game. Although much will depend on how Jaycee Horn gets on against Justin Jefferson, who is arguably the most prolific wideout anywhere in the league.
Carolina Panthers at Lions - Week 5
After another strong end to the 2022 campaign, many are anticipating the Detroit Lions to win the NFC North after so long in the football wilderness. Something that looks entirely possible after another eye-catching offseason for the franchise.
Dan Campbell proved he's the man to take the Lions forward once and for all last season. His no-nonsense approach and unrivaled passion have every single player buying in, which represents a tricky proposition for the Carolina Panthers all things considered.
Prediction: Loss (3-2)
Perhaps Duce Staley will be able to provide some valuable intel having been an influential figure under Campbell before leaving for pastures new. But if the Lions come on as much as most expect, then the Panthers would do well to get anything out of this particular contest.
Carolina Panthers at Dolphins - Week 6
This is the game above all else where the Carolina Panthers' lack of urgency surrounding their cornerback options during the offseason could come back to haunt them. The Miami Dolphins have bonafide speed everywhere you look at the skill positions, with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle representing the league's fastest wideout duo by a considerable margin.
Jaycee Horn cannot cover them both, unfortunately. Donte Jackson might not be 100 percent by this point and C.J. Henderson lining up against either is asking for trouble.
Prediction: Loss (3-3)
One would be hard-pressed to find a scenario where the Panthers gain the upset in the stifling Florida heat. But if Tua Tagovailoa is out for any reason, it completely shifts the landscape.
Carolina Panthers vs. Texans - Week 8
All the hype surrounding this game will be centered on the players taken 1-2 in the 2023 NFL Draft. Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud have been closely linked throughout high school, college, and now the professional ranks, with this season's contest the first time they've faced each other competitively to date.
This could be the start of a storied rivalry if both quarterbacks reach their respective ceilings. Stroud will be eager to show Carolina what they're missing while Young could further cement the belief that he was the right guy all along at No. 1 overall.
Prediction: Win (4-3)
These two teams are going through a period of transition. But the Panthers look better placed to attain immediate progress and should fancy their chances on home soil in this one.
Carolina Panthers vs. Colts - Week 9
It's not just players that have revenge games during the campaign. Frank Reich comes up against the team that fired him last season, which will obviously mean more to the respected figure even if he won't publicly declare it beforehand.
This will see another rookie quarterback clash between Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson - the biggest feast-or-famine prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft. Even though he's a little raw, the Panthers must treat him with the greatest respect thanks to the player's electrifying athletic traits and a supreme dual-threat presence under center.
Prediction: Win (5-3)
Shane Steichen's arrival to the Indianapolis Colts is the second time they've gone with a bright offensive mind from Philadelphia. Carolina's players should be doing everything possible to ensure Reich gets bragging rights, which is entirely possible at home.
Carolina Panthers at Bears - Week 10 (TNF)
Once the Carolina Panthers struck a bombshell deal with the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 overall selection, fans of both teams began heated debates on social media about which team was better off. Something that didn't go unnoticed by the schedule-makers, who picked their 2023 encounter for primetime on Thursday Night Football.
This will be classed as the D.J. Moore revenge game, and rightfully so. However, it's also a chance for D'Onta Foreman to prove Carolina was foolish in letting him go and quarterback Justin Fields gets to put one over on the team that passed him up at No. 8 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Prediction: Loss (5-4)
Soldier Field is an inhospitable environment for any opposing team and the Bears could be among the league's biggest improvers next season. If the Panthers aren't up for such a physical challenge - which seems unlikely - then this will be a long evening in the national spotlight.
Carolina Panthers vs. Cowboys - Week 11
This will be a tremendous measuring stick for the Carolina Panthers. The Dallas Cowboys are once again tipped to be among the Super Bowl contenders in 2023 despite some big changes across their roster, which also included the loss of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Still, the Cowboys are a threat that shouldn't be taken lightly. Especially considering the presence of Micah Parsons, who can take over a game at any given moment and is set to make a permanent switch to defensive end next season.
Prediction: Win (6-4)
While the Panthers cannot be counted out by any stretch of the imagination, beating the Cowboys at this stage could be a step too far. But if Carolina generates some early momentum, anything is possible.
Carolina Panthers at Titans - Week 12
One of the biggest things defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero preaches as part of his 3-4 base defense is the importance of setting the edge. That will be needed in no uncertain terms when they travel to take on the Tennessee Titans.
The objective for the Carolina Panthers is there for all to see in this one. By any means necessary, they must prevent dominant running back Derrick Henry from having a huge impact on proceedings.
Prediction: Win (7-4)
Evero will have a plan for Henry. If it ends up limiting the Titans' production on offense, this represents a fantastic opportunity to win on the road.
Carolina Panthers at Buccaneers - Week 13
Facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers so late into the season could bring added benefits. Bryce Young will be acclimatized, the defense should be humming under Ejiro Evero, and the team's primary weapons on offense should all have the necessary knowledge of Thomas Brown's system to ensure complications are kept to a minimum.
With Tom Brady in retirement, this could come down to how the Panthers' offensive line copes with Vita Vea and Tampa Bay's front seven. A task that's proved difficult since the imposing nose tackle entered the league.
Prediction: Loss (7-5)
This would be a signature win for the Panthers despite the Buccaneers' quarterback situation being in flux. But triumphing on the road isn't something Carolina has done much of in recent years to their cost.
Carolina Panthers at Saints - Week 14
The Mercedez-Benz Superdome was the sign of Steve Wilks' final triumph as interim head coach in 2022. Before then, it's not been the happiest of hunting grounds for the Carolina Panthers.
The often rowdy atmosphere is enough to make even the most experienced veteran crumble when the fanbase is in top form. Fortunately for the Panthers, they have a calm presence under center in Bryce Young, who has a rare ability to ignore every other mitigating factor to make things happen on the field.
Prediction: Win (8-5)
This will likely be decided by fine margins. New Orleans gets the slight edge at home, but absolutely nothing can be dismissed if situational football comes into play with his high-level coaching staff.
Carolina Panthers vs. Falcons - Week 15
While the Atlanta Falcons probably fancy their chances of competing for the NFC South title - which appears wide open after legendary quarterback Tom Brady rode off into the sunset - the Carolina Panthers might have something to say about that. Especially if Bryce Young manages to put a strong run of games together right out of the gate.
There is enough talent in Atlanta to potentially worry the Panthers. But moving forward with former third-round selection Desmond Ridder and free-agent signing Taylor Heinicke as the team's quarterback options could have a detrimental impact on their chances.
Prediction: Win (9-5)
The Panthers easily disposed of Atlanta on Thursday Night Football in their phenomenal all-black alternate uniforms last season. It would be a big disappointment if the same didn't occur again in 2023.
Carolina Panthers vs. Packers - Week 16
Much like the situation with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Green Bay Packers are dealing with the loss of an iconic figure in franchise history after Aaron Rodgers was traded to the New York Jets. Fortunately for the organization, they've been grooming his successor over the last three years.
Jordan Love was a controversial first-round selection by the Packers in 2020 when Rodgers clearly needed help at the skill positions. This was arguably the start of their relationship's demise, but the signal-caller believes this is his moment and will strive to ensure success.
Prediction: Win (10-5)
The Carolina Panthers will know plenty about what Love can bring by the time the two sides clash. If Bryce Young is also in his groove by this point, then another victory is well within the team's capabilities.
Carolina Panthers at Jaguars - Week 17
If this game ends up meaning something towards the end of the campaign when the two teams compete, then the Carolina Panthers must have everything go right. The Jacksonville Jaguars benefitted from the masterful coaching of Doug Pederson en route to an AFC South title triumph last season and with Trevor Lawrence under center, they could tighten their grip on the division long-term.
Lawrence is rapidly becoming the quarterback everyone thought coming out of Clemson after wasting his rookie campaign under the inept Urban Meyer. Jacksonville has done a decent job of putting the necessary pieces around the face of the franchise, which also includes returning wide receiver Calvin Ridley following a one-year suspension.
Prediction: Loss (10-6)
I went back and forth with this one. But until Bryce Young moves into that higher echelon of quarterbacks - which should happen soon enough - then Lawrence is preferred to get the job done.
Carolina Panthers vs. Buccaneers - Week 18
Finding positive results against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been difficult for the Carolina Panthers in recent years. However, the Tom Brady problem is now officially a thing of the past after he confirmed his retirement for good.
As fate would have it, the man replacing Brady was also the quarterback Matt Rhule chose to save his job last season. Baker Mayfield didn't cut the mustard and the previous head coach was fired after Week 5, so he'll no doubt seek revenge in a hostile atmosphere.
Prediction: Win (11-6)
The Panthers have nothing to fear regarding the Buccaneers anymore. They still have a decent roster - albeit much changed from their Super Bowl triumph - but this could be another win that indicates the balance of NFC South power has shifted.