The Carolina Panthers now know what their 2024 season structure will look like after the NFL released its long-awaited schedule for the upcoming campaign. Fans can plan trips and examine in greater detail how things might unfold. It's also a chance to start shifting some narratives during the first season with head coach Dave Canales leading the charge.
There will be no primetime games for the Panthers next season. They'll have a stand-alone game in Germany against the New York Giants, but this is a damning indictment of how the league perceived the toxic environment and poor football product that was on display from start to finish last year.
Canales is looking to change all that. He's enthusiastic and harbors the inner belief needed to galvanize a roster on its knees. Dan Morgan has done his part throughout the offseason, making some tough decisions and bringing in what he believes are the right characters to bring respectability back to this once-proud organization.
While all this is positive, expecting miracles right away is foolish. With this in mind, we made predictions for how each Panthers game might go in 2024.
Carolina Panthers at Saints - Week 1
The Carolina Panthers will get another divisional game to kick off their 2024 campaign. Dave Canales and his squad make the trip to take on the New Orleans Saints, who also come into the campaign with more questions than answers following an eventful offseason.
New Orleans had to do some salary-cap gymnastics to comply with NFL regulations once again. They also decided to keep faith with quarterback Derek Carr despite his rocky first season with the franchise. There is enough talent across their roster to be competitive, but there's no doubt that head coach Dennis Allen is firmly on the hot seat.
Prediction: Win (1-0)
The Panthers are going to have a statement win at some stage during the season. What better time for this to arrive than Week 1 to get the Canales era off to the best possible start against an NFC South foe?
Carolina Panthers vs. Chargers - Week 2
There are increased expectations around the Los Angeles Chargers this season. They pulled off a coup by making Jim Harbaugh their new head coach, who's a born winner and is sure to instantly improve the mindset within the building.
Harbaugh's offseason moves indicate the Chargers are going to be physical and take some pressure off quarterback Justin Herbert. They have a new stud bookend tackle tandem after spending their first-round selection on Joe Alt, which should provide the signal-caller with enough time to make plays despite losing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen from the passing attack.
Prediction: Loss (1-1)
This is going to be an aggressive encounter and the Panthers must be up for the challenge. Given the presence of Herbert, some outstanding defensive players, and Harbaugh's exceptional credentials, attaining victory is going to be difficult.
Carolina Panthers at Raiders - Week 3
Although the Las Vegas Raiders made the right call by making Antonio Pierce their permanent head coach, their fortunes in 2024 are hanging in the balance. They have some good players capable of influencing any game when in the mood. Their problems lie at the quarterback position.
After failing to land a signal-caller during the 2024 NFL Draft despite attempts to trade up - reportedly for Jayden Daniels - The Raiders will roll with either Gardner Minshew or Aidan O'Connell under center. This represents an opportunity for the Carolina Panthers early in the campaign if their new-look defense hits the ground running under defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
Prediction: Win (2-1)
If the Panthers can keep wide receiver Davante Adams, edge rusher Maxx Crosby, and rookie tight end Brock Bowers quiet, they have a chance. That is, of course, if Bryce Young can make the improvements needed with an enhanced supporting cast next time around.
Carolina Panthers vs. Bengals - Week 4
Another tricky home tie sees the Carolina Panthers welcome the Cincinnati Bengals to Bank of America Stadium. The AFC North outfit will fancy their chances of returning to contention this season, which is thanks in no small part to star quarterback Joe Burrow's return from an injury that ended his 2023 campaign way ahead of time.
Burrow is one of the best around with proven credentials to come through in the clutch. The majority of his playmakers remain intact, so this is a stiff test for the Panthers all things considered.
Prediction: Loss (2-2)
This will be a good measuring stick for the Panthers relatively early in the campaign. If Dave Canales' men keep it closer than most expect, it can be seen as a step in the right direction whether the result goes their way or not. There is also unlikely to be any home-field advantage in this one given how well Bengals fans travel.
Carolina Panthers at Bears - Week 5
This one comes with significant intrigue attached. The Chicago Bears got the chance to draft quarterback Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall thanks to the Carolina Panthers, who made a daring surge up the 2023 order for Bryce Young before enduring a two-win campaign that descended into embarrassment.
The Bears could have completely changed the trajectory of their franchise with this move. They'll be forever thankful to the Panthers if this comes to fruition. They also appear to have surrounded Williams with a supporting cast befitting his outstanding credentials.
Prediction: Loss (2-3)
Going on the road to Chicago is never easy. The Panthers should have plenty of motivation to get one over on the NFC North side, but whether their defense can hold up in the face of some outstanding playmakers is another matter.
Carolina Panthers vs. Falcons - Week 6
The Atlanta Falcons are seen by many as the NFC South favorites in 2024. They have a respected head coach in Raheem Morris and some exceptional players on both sides of the football. They also shelled out significant financial resources to prise quarterback Kirk Cousins from the Minnesota Vikings in free agency. There is a lot to like about their chances for progress with a more stable presence under center.
However, the Falcons made things more complicated than needed when they drafted Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Cousins wasn't informed beforehand and doesn't appear to be all that pleased about the move. Whether this reported friction can play into the Carolina Panthers' hands in Week 6 is another matter.
Prediction: Win (3-3)
Games between the Panthers and Falcons are normally decided by fine margins. If Bryce Young gets a chance to come through in the clutch, another game-winning drive might not be too far behind.
Carolina Panthers at Commanders - Week 7
The Washington Commanders have gone through more changes across the board than any other NFL team this offseason. Josh Harris' ownership group wasted no time in putting their ambitious plans into action. The hiring of Adam Peters was shrewd, with the general manager coming across positively during a remarkable roster revamp in recent months.
Newfound positivity surrounds the Commanders for the first time in decades. This is also a revenge game for Frankie Luvu and Jeremy Chinn, who departed the Panthers this offseason and will be looking to make their former employers pay.
Prediction: Loss (3-4)
Much will depend on how No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels transitions from college to the pros. It should be another close-fought contest that could go either way, but the tentative prediction is another defeat on the road.
Carolina Panthers at Broncos - Week 8
Mile High Stadium brings a unique set of challenges for any visiting team. The oxygen levels are far lower here than in any other NFL environment, so preparations must be on point for the Carolina Panthers to stand a legitimate chance of winning another road contest.
The Denver Broncos didn't exactly excel under head coach Sean Payton last season. There were clear differences between the new man in charge and quarterback Russell Wilson, which led to the veteran's release and the biggest dead cap figure in league history. Bo Nix is the signal-caller hand-picked by the offensive mind to spearhead this exciting new era, but he was a major reach at No. 12 overall and might not have the tools needed to be a franchise presence under center.
Prediction: Win (4-4)
Providing the Panthers cope well with the elements and make things uncomfortable for Nix, they can win this game. It could go the other way, but Bryce Young is the better quarterback and can drag his team over the line in this one.
Carolina Panthers vs. Saints - Week 9
The Carolina Panthers welcome the New Orleans Saints in Week 8. If they are at .500 by this point, it represents an outstanding achievement based on how things unfolded during the previous campaign.
New Orleans always gets one over on the Panthers at some stage. They've been the superior team for years and will fancy their chances of doing the same this time around despite increased pressure on some key figures across the organization heading into the new campaign.
Prediction: Win (5-4)
Splitting the series wouldn't be the end of the world. That said, head coach Dave Canales will have grander ambitions as the Panthers look to make a significant statement by sweeping the Saints in 2024.
Carolina Panthers vs. NY Giants - Week 10
Although the Carolina Panthers don't have a primetime game this year, they'll have one opportunity to take center stage when they host the New York Giants at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. This is also a game that has plenty of intriguing storylines attached.
Of course, the hype surrounding this game will be on Brian Burns. After the Panthers mismanaged his contract situation abysmally under the previous regime, Dan Morgan bit the bullet and traded his best pass-rusher to the Giants. He won't admit it publicly, but revenge will be on his mind when the time comes.
Prediction: Loss (5-5)
Carolina hasn't enjoyed the best fortunes versus the Giants in recent seasons. The questions surrounding quarterback Daniel Jones cannot be ignored, but Brian Daboll's men have enough firepower along their defensive front to give Burns bragging rights on European soil.
Carolina Panthers vs. Chiefs - Week 12
A daunting task awaits the Carolina Panthers following their well-deserved bye week. It doesn't get much tougher than the Kansas City Chiefs - the two-time defending Super Bowl champions who look well-placed to go for a historic three-peat in 2024.
The Chiefs managed to keep most of their top stars around this offseason with NFL immortality awaiting them. Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback in the game, but their defensive improvements last season were arguably the biggest deciding factor in Andy Reid's men securing another ring.
Prediction: Loss (5-6)
This looks like a step too far for the Panthers right now. Any positives they can get from this one would be a bonus, but it would be one of the biggest shocks in league history if Dave Canales pulled this off.
Still, fans might get to see Taylor Swift. That's something, at least.
Carolina Panthers vs. Buccaneers - Week 13
The Carolina Panthers have not enjoyed the best of fortunes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in recent years. Even when Tom Brady finally walked away from the game in 2023, they had no luck as former signal-caller Baker Mayfield swept his old employers during the previous campaign.
This one has some added motivation for head coach Dave Canales. He spent last season with the Buccaneers as offensive coordinator and galvanized Mayfield's career. He's looking to do the same with Bryce Young and will know plenty about how best to thwart the threat Tampa Bay brings to the table.
Prediction: Loss (5-7)
Canales' presence should help improve Carolina's chances. However, the Buccaneers did a tremendous job of keeping their top stars around throughout the offseason. This makes besting them a tough challenge once again despite the roster enhancements made by general manager Dan Morgan.
Carolina Panthers at Eagles - Week 14
Things don't get any easier for the Carolina Panthers with a trip to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14. Although the NFC East outfit collapsed down the stretch in 2023 en route to an early playoff exit, they look like a team to be feared once again despite losing two legendary figures - center Jason Kelce and defensive lineman Fletcher Cox - to retirement.
Howie Roseman did a tremendous job of filling some key needs - especially in the secondary - this offseason. They have some dangerous weapons on offense and a quarterback in Jalen Hurts who'll have Kellen Moore steering him in the right direction, Couple this with being on the road in a hostile environment, the Panthers have an uphill battle on their hands.
Prediction: Loss (5-8)
Much like the situation with the Kansas City Chiefs, it would be a bombshell if the Panthers emerged with a victory from this game. The Eagles are too strong and have too much going for them to suggest anything else.
Carolina Panthers vs. Cowboys - Week 15
The gauntlet of post-bye week contests continue for the Carolina Panthers when they host the Dallas Cowboys. However, this is going to be a glorified home game for the NFC East team looking at how visiting fans have packed the stands at Bank of America Stadium in previous years.
Things are hanging precariously for the Cowboys in 2024. Jerry Jones claimed he was going all-in before avoiding any major reinforcements in free agency. Dak Prescott is entering the final year of his deal and head coach Mike McCarthy is on the hot seat. A strong start is crucial to alleviate concerns about the franchise's current direction.
Prediction: Loss (5-9)
Again, the Cowboys have too much talent that Carolina cannot match right now. It might be closer than some envisage, but the end result will be the same unless there's a drastic shift under new head coach Dave Canales.
Carolina Panthers vs. Cardinals - Week 16
The Carolina Panthers end their 2024 season home slate with a clash against the Arizona Cardinals. This look like a good chance to send their long-suffering support home on a high after another rollercoaster campaign.
Arizona has some dynamic young talent and a productive quarterback in Kyler Murray. They also spent the No. 4 overall selection on Marvin Harrison Jr., who is a generational prospect and one of the best wide receiver talents to emerge from the college ranks in a generation. That said, the Panthers have a shot despite their losing run in this scenario.
Prediction: Win (6-9)
This could easily be a defeat looking at the weapons on both sides of the football in Arizona. But the last home game festivities coupled with playing with an extra sense of freedom might be enough to get the job done.
Carolina Panthers at Buccaneers - Week 17
Dave Canales heads back to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers relatively late in the campaign. The Carolina Panthers are unlikely to be playing for anything other than pride at this juncture, but the head coach will demand nothing but maximum effort against a team he left earlier this offseason.
The Buccaneers might be in NFC South contention once again, so the pressure will be firmly on their shoulders. And as previously mentioned, they've had the Panthers' number for years and will fancy their chances of doing the same again despite Canales' presence.
Prediction: Loss (6-10)
Carolina might be on the losing end again when push comes to shove. They have the upgrades needed to potentially improve as the campaign goes on, but there's no guarantee until we see what progress has been made to the football operation under Canales' enthusiastic guidance.
Carolina Panthers at Falcons - Week 18
Another divisional road game concludes the Carolina Panthers 2024 season. Kirk Cousins might still be under center by this point, but the added pressure on his shoulders after the Atlanta Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. is something to keep a close eye on as the campaign progresses.
The Falcons might need something from this game to win the NFC South, so the Panthers will be playing the role of party-pooper once again. They're always the bridesmaid and never the bride these days, but it might not be for much longer under this exciting new era.
Prediction: Loss (6-11)
Some fans might be disappointed by a six-win campaign when there is so much optimism right now. However, it's a major step in the right direction after two triumphs during the 2023 season. Something that head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan can build upon during the 2025 offseason.