For the first time since 2011, Josh Norman isn’t patrolling the secondary. Neither is Charles Tillman or Roman Harper. All three veterans are gone, and the face lift is centered on rookie cornerbacks James Bradberry and Daryl Worley, who have emerged as starters, and it’s not as bad as it sounds, coordinator Sean McDermott says — “They have done a nice job.” Without Norman shutting down receivers and talking trash, though, the Panthers’ secondary won’t make as much noise. The youth movement could be a problem in the NFC South, with Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Jameis Winston all bringing heat. Or the rookies could grow up fast and help Cam Newton and Carolina get back to the Super Bowl. After a third straight NFC South title and a trip to the big game, excitement and expectations are higher than ever. That’s new for this franchise, and meeting those expectations could be the biggest challenge.
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The reigning MVP is the Panthers’ biggest draw, arguably the best player in the NFL and one of its most controversial. Newton has a nice-guy persona but does things his way and doesn’t apologize. Love him or hate him, you gotta watch to see what he does next. FANTASY SPIN
The veteran DE took a big pay cut to return and hopes to prove he has another double-digit sack season in him at age 30. Johnson had 52 sacks from 2010-14 before missing most of last season to injury and could help the Panthers get back to the Super Bowl.
Beaten by Von Miller for two crucial strip sacks in Denver’s Super Bowl victory, the right tackle was called a goat by critics. However, the Panthers brought him back because of their success with him (22-4 as a starter, led NFL in scoring). Remmers says he’s moved past it. We’ll see.
After torching the league as a rookie in 2014 with a 73-1,008-9 stat line, Kelvin Benjamin missed all of last season with a torn ACL. Now with a surgically repaired knee – not to mention some residual conditioning issues as a result -- Benjamin's stock seems to be falling. His size and ball skills can trump these fantasy flaws -- so long as fantasy owners are willing to be a little patient. If Benjamin can return to his old form, the Panthers will somehow be even more difficult to stop in the red zone. Lower your WR1 expectations, but don't forget about him on draft day.
(All lines courtesy of Bovada.com, as of 8/31)
Season win total over/under: 10.5 (over EVEN, under -130)
Odds to win the Super Bowl: 11/1. Run, don't walk, and find the nearest oddsmaker who has the Panthers at this number. Then, make whatever wager you're comfortable risking at this point in your life. Carolina is going to pick up right where it left off last season — and this time, Peyton Manning won't be around to ruin things. The Panthers have to be considered one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl, and at this price a bet is definitely worth it.
One thing we wish we could bet on: The Panthers leading the league in 2-point conversions. We've heard a lot of talk from various coaches this preseason about embracing the conversion, but the Panthers are in the best position to actually deliver. When Carolina's running game is clicking, it should be going for two on almost every touchdown.
September 8, at Denver
A Super Bowl rematch on the opening night of the season — doesn’t get any better than that.
December 19, at Washington
Norman faces the team who cut him loose and gets a chance to talk some smack.
January 1, at Tampa Bay
There are plenty of good divisional matchups to choose from, but Cam vs. Jameis on the last Sunday of the regular season could be the best.
We say: 11-5, Super Bowl winner
WhatIfSports.com says: 11-5 NFC Championship game loss
-- Andre Vergara, D.J. Foster (fantasy), Andrew Lynch (betting)
