Morale is lower than it's even been among the Carolina Panthers fanbase. The team is going through some significant on-field turmoil. They are not competitive whatsoever. Another defeat at the Washington Commanders in Week 7 - who didn't have Jayden Daniels for anything but the first possession - was another indicator of how far this franchise is from being remotely competitive.
Dave Canales looks tired. The head coach came into the organization with a transparent attitude and full of vibrant enthusiasm in front of the media. It didn't take long for that to be replaced by deflecting questions and short answers to speed up the grilling.
That's what coaching the Panthers does to a man. The constant stream of injuries to key personnel isn't helping. This is a roster devoid of talent and motivation. Carolina needs to rebuild. Papering over the cracks is not an option.
It's a complete mess that shows no signs of getting better. It's also no wonder some sections of the fanbase are already examining draft prospects and potential free-agent targets in 2025.
This isn't exactly ideal just seven contests into the season. Canales must plow on regardless of the difficult circumstances. With this in mind, we looked at how the Panthers might fare over their next four games following a dismal 1-6 start.
Predicting the Carolina Panthers' next four games after 1-6 start in 2024
Carolina Panthers at Broncos - Week 8
- Date: Sunday October 27
- Time: 4.25 p.m. ET
- Venue: Empower Field at Mile High
Next up for the Carolina Panthers is another tricky-looking road contest at the Denver Broncos. Sean Payton's men are 4-3 to start the season despite navigating some growing pains from rookie quarterback Bo Nix. They're relying on their strong ground game and a defense that's come to life under coordinator Vance Joseph.
The Broncos are giving up 124.1 rushing yards per game through seven weeks. Javonte Williams turned in the best performance of the campaign last time out. Considering how the Panthers cannot stop the run, it's not hard to see where the complications could emerge.
Empower Field at Mile High brings a unique set of problems to those who aren't used to the altitude. Dave Canales will have a plan to navigate this, but forcing Nix into mistakes is the only way Carolina stands a chance of picking up some much-needed momentum.
- Prediction: Panthers loss (1-7)
Much will depend on whether the Panthers can get some bodies back from injury in time for Week 8. They've got a slight chance if Nix puts in an erratic display. Even so, it's hard to suggest anything other than a loss based on how things have unfolded so far.
Carolina Panthers vs. Saints - Week 9
- Date: Sunday, November 3
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Bank of America Stadium
Just what sort of atmosphere the Carolina Panthers could expect in Week 9 if they cannot beat the Denver Broncos is anyone's guess. Fans are already checking out, unwilling to spend their hard-earned money on such a poor football product. PSL owners are practically giving away their tickets, which is a sorry state of affairs that's become synonymous with David Tepper's ownership so far.
That said, this is a divisional game versus a team going through some difficult times themselves. The New Orleans Saints have lost five straight since starting the season 2-0. They are dealing with injury problems to key personnel and face an uncertain long-term future given their precarious financial predicament.
The Saints are projected to be $82.37 million over the cap in 2025. They'll get out of it - they always do - but that won't come without kicking the can down the road or disposing of established veterans for cash relief.
These are two teams going nowhere but down right now. This is something the Panthers might be able to take advantage of, but their record against New Orleans isn't great in recent years. Dave Canales' squad has already tasted defeat against the NFC South rival this season. They'll be keen to avoid a similar fate this time out.
Carolina's fate is almost entirely dependent on whether Ejiro Evero's defense can contain Alvin Kamara. The veteran running back ended trade speculation abruptly by signing a new deal this week. He was a constant thorn in the Panthers' side during their first meeting this season. With quarterback Derek Carr's status for the contest in doubt, restricting the former second-round pick should be the top priority above all else.
- Prediction: Panthers win (2-7)
The Panthers aren't going to lose every game between now and the season's end, right? If Carr doesn't play and Carolina gets some players back from injury, this could be their second triumph of the campaign.
It could easily go the other way and often does. But it's winnable.
Carolina Panthers vs. NY Giants - Week 10
- Date: Sunday, November 10
- Time: 9.30 a.m. ET
- Venue: Allianz Arena (Munich, Germany)
The Carolina Panthers don't have a primetime game this season. That already looks like a shrewd decision by the broadcasters and streaming services who shunned this franchise following a 1-5 campaign in 2023. They do have one stand-alone contest, which takes place in Week 10 against the New York Giants.
Allianz Arena - the home of German soccer powerhouse Bayern Munich - will stage the clash as part of the NFL's international series. Just what sort of spectacle fans attending the game can expect is anyone's guess. But it's not exactly the best showcase of what the league has to offer.
The Panthers' problems are well-documented. Things aren't much better with the Giants, who continue to go through significant hardship with Daniel Jones under center after inexplicably signing him to a lucrative contract extension.
Saquon Barkley wasn't given the same courtesy. General manager Joe Schoen went against the owner and coach's wishes and let the running back walk. He came back to haunt them in Week 7, torching the Giants for the division rival Philadelphia Eagles en route to a convincing win.
For all the Giants' faults, and there are plenty of them, they still have some gifted players who can make life difficult for the Panthers. Nose tackle Dexter Lawrence II is on his way to another All-Pro selection. There's also the presence of former edge rusher Brian Burns to factor into the equation.
Burns was traded to the Giants this offseason after his relationship with the franchise reached breaking point. One could point the blame more at Scott Fitterer for the fumbled management of his contract situation than anyone else. He'll be eager to make his old team pay in the same way Frankie Luvu and Jeremy Chin accomplished in Week 7.
- Prediction: Panthers loss (2-8)
This one could legitimately go either way. Carolina has a shot to gain another win. But it's hard to say with any confidence that'll be the case unless things improve drastically.
Carolina Panthers vs. Chiefs - Week 12
- Date: Sunday, November 24
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Bank of America Stadium
The Carolina Panthers should be well-rested and healthier coming off their bye week. That's about all they've got going for them looking at the opposition upon returning from their extended rest period.
None other than the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs visit Bank of America Stadium in Week 12. They are the NFL's only undefeated team so far despite not firing on all cylinders offensively. Those in power went some way to rectify their injury complications by trading for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
The Chiefs gave up a conditional fourth-round selection for the three-time All-Pro. He's not the dominant force of old, but he knows how to get open and thrive in contested catch situations. Hopkins will also be relishing the prospect of working with Patrick Mahomes after having Will Levis and Mason Rudolph to depend upon during his time with the Tennessee Titans.
This is just another problem for the Panthers to overcome. The Chiefs are amid a dynasty and looked primed for a historic three-peat unless the Baltimore Ravens can somehow get over the hump. It's not just the offense, Kansas City's defense is among the league's best to further raise concern.
Whether Andy Dalton will be under center by this point is anyone's guess. Putting Bryce Young back into the mix after their bye week seems realistic provided he's not traded before the deadline. Dave Canales states the focus is still on helping the veteran signal-caller despite Carolina's current freefall. But his regression and the team's struggles overall could force the head coach's hand at some stage.
- Prediction: Panthers loss (2-9)
Kansas City will be double-digit favorites on the road in this one. The two teams are miles apart in talent and ambition. Another defeat is almost assured for the Panthers, who'd have another losing season confirmed under David Tepper's ownership along the way in this scenario.