Panthers game-by-game predictions after 2026 NFL Schedule release

The Carolina Panthers made bold choices in the draft. They’re happy with their first pick and the fact that a veteran offensive tackle will be hanging around awhile. Looking ahead, here are the Panthers’ game-by-game predictions after the 2026 NFL schedule release.Coming off an 8-9 finish and a playoff berth, the Panthers' hopes are much higher than they were before last season. And if quarterback Bryce Young can lead the way, the Panthers might be back in postseason play this year. And he could do that, according to Sports Illustrated.But the schedule always plays a key role in how a season unfolds. All of these predictions are based on teams being at full strength with no season-changing injuries.Week 1 vs. Chicago BearsWhat will the Bears look like in 2026? One thing is for sure: Their offense will be dominant. Scoring points won’t be an issue.For the Panthers to have a shot at this win, they will have to play well on offense. But they simply don’t have the horses to match up. LOSSRecord: 0-1Week 2 at Atlanta FalconsThings have gone very well for the Panthers in this series of late. They have won three straight and five of the last seven. Included in that mix was a 30-0 beatdown last season.The Falcons have an interesting mix this year. Will Michael Penix Jr. be in the saddle, or will Tua Tagovailoa take over at quarterback? That’s a key question, but we like the Panthers keeping their streak alive. WINRecord: 1-1Week 3 at Cleveland BrownsIt’s a transition year for the Browns. Who knows what they will actually do at the quarterback position? There is simply nothing scary about this team on the offensive side of the ball.The caveat is that the Panthers will have to protect Bryce Young from the charge of edge rusher Myles Garrett. They’ll do enough. WINRecord: 2-1Week 4 vs. Detroit LionsIt’s a very similar situation to the Bears’ game. The Panthers should be able to get points on the board against the Lions’ defense.But when it comes to shootouts, the Panthers’ receiving corps puts them at a disadvantage. And that’s why they can’t hang with the Lions. LOSSRecord: 2-2Week 6 at Philadelphia EaglesIt’s really hard to assess what the Eagles will be in 2026. With the way their roster stands in May, they’re a Super Bowl contender.However, a possible summer trade of AJ Brown could change that. But, again, as things stand now, they will handle the Panthers. LOSSRecord: 2-3Week 7 vs. Tampa Bay BuccaneersOh, what a nemesis the Buccaneers have been. They have beaten the Panthers in 10 of the last 12 games. However, the Panthers earned a 23-20 win last December that played a key role in them stealing the NFC South division title.This year’s matchups should be dandy ballgames. Both teams have things to like up and down the roster. So we’ll go with home-field advantage here. WINRecord: 3-3Week 8 at Green Bay PackersThe trip to Lambeau Field is rarely a fun adventure for NFL teams. And even though the Packers don’t seem to have that Super Bowl shine this season, they’re still tough at home.This is a good spot for a Panthers’ upset. However, last year’s upset in Lambeau hurts the Panthers’ chances. They won’t be able to make it two in a row. LOSSRecord: 3-4Week 9 vs. Denver BroncosUnlike the Seahawks, the Broncos appear to be ascending. Their offense should be better in 2026, with the addition of Jaylen Waddle to the receiver room.Also, the Broncos’ defense should be just as good as it was in 2025. This is a Super Bowl-level team. LOSSRecord: 3-5Week 10 at New Orleans SaintsYes, the Saints should be better in 2026. It’s not out of the question for them to threaten a .500 season. But the Panthers simply have better overall talent.And even though the Panthers have lost five of the last six meetings, this home date should land in their favor. WINRecord: 4-5Week 11 vs. Baltimore RavensIt’s incredibly tough for NFC teams to deal with Lamar Jackson because they rarely see him. He has dominated that conference in his career.To have a good shot at beating the Ravens, the Panthers would need to keep Jackson in check. And they just don’t have the defensive dogs to do it. LOSSRecord: 4-6Week 12 at Tampa Bay BuccaneersLike the road game against the Saints, playing at the Buccaneers will be a problem for the Panthers.This is a game where Baker Mayfield should be able to cut loose. Look for big performances from running back Bucky Irving and receiver Emeka Egbuka with the Buccaneers pulling away late. LOSSRecord: 4-7Week 13 at Minnesota VikingsThe Vikings could be a tough beast this season. They’ve added a quarterback who can make big plays. And teamed up with Justin Jefferson, the Vikings might have one of the NFL’s top pass-catch duos.Plus, the Vikings are tough on defense. And they’re tough at home. LOSSRecord: 4-8Week 14 vs. New Orleans SaintsIt’s a little bit much to ask the Panthers to sweep the Saints because they’ve had so much trouble in this rivalry. And home-field advantage means a lot to the Saints.Look for Travis Etienne Jr. to have his best game of the season. And the Panthers won’t be able to match score for score. LOSSRecord: 4-9Week 15 vs. Cincinnati BengalsThis game shifts toward the Panthers’ favor. The Bengals aren’t good enough on defense to keep the Panthers at bay.And if the Panthers are able to run the football effectively, this is a game they can get. WINRecord: 5-9Week 16 at Pittsburgh SteelersLike the Browns, the Steelers are a team in flux. There are good pieces on the offense side of the ball. However, with Mason Rudolph currently slotted to start at QB, they won’t be able to win consistently.And they will be prone to home-field upset losses. WINRecord: 6-9Week 17 vs. Seattle SeahawksA lot of people are going to overrate the Seahawks this year. It happens almost every year in the NFL. But the truth is the Seahawks simply had everything fall into place last year.Yes, their defense will still be among the NFL’s best. But their offense might not keep pace. This is a good place for an upset. WINRecord: 7-9Week 18 vs. Atlanta FalconsWhenever teams meet for the second time in the season, close games tend to go the other way. That’s especially true if the team that lost the first one is at home for the rematch.The Falcons’ Bijan Robinson will torture the Panthers this time around. LOSSRecord: 7-10The final analysisWith a record of 7-10, it would be a disappointing season for head coach Dave Canales and the Panthers. They would almost surely miss the playoffs. Unless the NFC South is worse than it was last year.The Carolina Panthers made bold choices in the draft. They’re happy with their first pick and the fact that a veteran offensive tackle will be hanging around awhile. Looking ahead, here are the Panthers’ game-by-game predictions after the 2026 NFL schedule release. Coming off an 8-9 finish and a playoff berth, the Panthers' hopes are much higher than they were before last season.