The Carolina Panthers had real optimism heading into their Week 7 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. One humiliating defeat later, and the bubble burst.
Head coach Dave Canales talked about the opportunity to play championship football. He was outcoached, and his players didn't execute effectively.
It was a pathetic display that left more questions than answers. A massive effort is needed to prove this was a blip, not the start of something more concerning.
Easier said than done, but the time for half-measures is over.
With that in mind, we predicted how the Panthers could fare over their next four games as the business end of the campaign gets closer.
Predicting the Carolina Panthers' next four games after their 3-3 start to the 2026 season
Carolina Panthers at Packers - Week 8
A short week for the Panthers might be a good thing after their embarrassing loss to the Buccaneers. Derrick Brown said they needed to flush this game from their minds, and he is right. But that doesn't make Thursday Night Football any less challenging.
The Green Bay Packers are also coming off a loss, but they are a formidable adversary. Quarterback Jordan Love and some high-octane wide receivers can put up points quickly, and the return of running back Josh Jacobs is another dangerous weapon the Panthers must take seriously.
Prediction: Loss (3-4)
Carolina has a shot. At the same time, going on the road with little time to prepare and some cornerback issues might become their undoing.
Carolina Panthers vs. Broncos - Week 9
The tests keep coming for the Panthers, who welcome the Denver Broncos to Bank of America Stadium in Week 9. This would be a big statement win against a potential Super Bowl challenger, but the offensive line must hold its end of the bargain against a formidable defensive front seven.
Denver may be having some offensive issues, but the defense remains feared. All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II should be back in his groove by this point, which only makes the task tougher. And counteracting the threat posed by wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and quarterback Bo Nix is another difficult ask.
Prediction: Loss (3-5)
This could be another close-run affair. But the Broncos are in good form, so it's hard to predict anything other than a Panthers defeat after their mini-bye.
Carolina Panthers at Saints - Week 10
This is a must-win game for the Panthers. If they want to retain their division title, they have to win their NFC South matchups. And given the New Orleans Saints are 0-4 at home so far, Caesars Superdome is far from the fortress of old.
The Saints were widely expected to be a dark-horse challenger this season, but things have fallen flat. They pose some dangers, but Tyler Shough hasn't taken a second-year leap, and their lack of push in the defensive trenches is proving troublesome.
Prediction: Win (4-5)
If the Panthers' offensive line stops defensive end Chase Young from influencing proceedings, they can pile more misery on the Saints.
Carolina Panthers vs. Ravens - Week 11
The Baltimore Ravens might be propping up the AFC North right now, but they remain a force. Quarterback Lamar Jackson should be back in the lineup by this point, which means the Panthers will have a significant problem to overcome.
This presents a dangerous challenge for a team that has struggled to stop the run at home. Jackson and running back Derrick Henry remain dangerous, and though things haven't quite clicked yet, that is largely down to the signal-caller's absence.
Prediction: Loss (4-6)
Jackson holds the key. If he is in form and fully healthy by the time Baltimore travels to Charlotte, this could be a long afternoon at the office.
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