The Carolina Panthers have made some huge changes going into 2020. Longtime head coach Ron Rivera is gone, now plying his craft in Washington. Now comes Matt Rhule, fresh off rebuilding college programs at Temple and Baylor. Longtime quarterback and onetime NFL MVP Cam Newton is also gone, with Teddy Bridgewater set to lead the offense. He went 5-0 in relief of Drew Brees last year and led the Minnesota Vikings to an NFC North title before blowing an ACL, so he’s definitely earned the chance. Can the Panthers contend with all these changes after a virtual off-season? Or will this be a hard season for the Carolina fan base? Check out our thoughts about the Carolina season as you consider your NFL betting strategy.
NFL Betting: Carolina Panthers 2020 Schedule Analysis
Week 1: vs Las Vegas
An early game on the East Coast for Las Vegas? While they’re still rubbing the sleep out of their eyes, I see Carolina jumping out to an early lead and holding on. Prediction: Win
Week 2: at Tampa Bay
I like the Buccaneers to pull off an upset in New Orleans in Week 1, and I see that confidence carrying them over a Carolina team that has a rebuild going on defense. Prediction: Loss
Week 3: at L.A. Chargers
The Chargers have some questions on defense, which Bridgewater should be able to exploit. Whether their quarterback is Justin Herbert or Tyrod Taylor, they will struggle to move the ball. Prediction: Win
Week 4: vs Arizona
I have the Cardinals going to the playoffs this season, and a win over the rebuilding Panthers will be a key step. Prediction: Loss
Week 5: at Atlanta
Todd Gurley II should still be healthy for the Falcons by this point, and they won’t have shown all the holes in their defense yet. Prediction: Loss
Week 6: vs Chicago
A lot of people think that Nick Foles will struggle at quarterback for the Bears. I’m not one of them. Prediction: Loss
Week 7: at New Orleans
Even though this isn’t a prime time game, the voodoo factor of playing in the Superdome is always something to consider. There’s also the fact that the Saints are loaded on offense and stout on defense. Prediction: Loss
Week 8: vs Atlanta
The Panthers learn some lessons from the past few weeks, while the Falcons start their slide. Prediction: Win
Week 9: at Kansas City
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense should cruise here, although Bridgewater and the Panthers’ offense will make it competitive. Prediction: Loss
Week 10: vs Tampa Bay
Some of the flaws in the Buccaneer attack should have become clear by now, and Bridgewater will have the offense rolling well enough to take advantage. Prediction: Win
Week 11: vs Detroit
Bridgewater should throw the ball down the field against a Swiss-cheese Detroit secondary, and he should find plenty of open receivers when he does. Prediction: Win
Week 12: at Minnesota
Kirk Cousins finished the season strong last year — and I expect the Vikings to be pushing for an NFC North title by this point. Prediction: Loss
Week 13: Bye
Week 14: vs Denver
With two weeks to get ready for Drew Lock, the Panthers should have what they need to beat a tough Broncos team. Prediction: Win
Week 15: at Green Bay
The Packers didn’t do much to help their offense in the draft or free agency. Their defense was solid in 2019, but Bridgewater won’t be intimidated by Lambeau Field. Prediction: Win
Week 16: at Washington
This battle of rebuilding teams will go to the side with the savvier quarterback. Prediction: Win
Week 17: vs New Orleans
New Orleans could be resting starters and playing for a bye, but that’s the only way the Panthers have a chance here. Prediction: Win
Season Record Prediction: 8-8
