Carolina Panthers

Panthers: Remaining Schedule Projections & Analysis

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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One-fourth of the NFL season is complete bringing both positive and negative surprises to the Carolina Panthers and teams around the league…

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) is shown on the sideline in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Fresh off of a Super Bowl appearance, expectations were high for the Carolina Panthers entering 2016. However, following the 1-3 start some fans are beginning to locate the exits of the Panthers’ bandwagon, if not already gone. The reigning league MVP, quarterback Cam Newton has struggled to match his production from a season ago. A consistent offensive line has already encountered change and a dominant defense is displaying weakness up front and in the secondary.

There remains plenty of football left to play. Just last season the Atlanta Falcons began the year 6-1, before losing seven of their final nine, finishing 8-8 and failing to make the playoffs. Twelve games is still a marathon span for teams to improve, decline, have players suffer or return from injury, and be effected by a variety of other occurrences.

With a fourth of the season complete a general idea of who the contenders are is being developed. Let’s take a look at the remaining schedule for the Carolina Panthers and project where the team goes from here.

Jan 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) is sacked by Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kyle Love (93) in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Buccaneers 38-10 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

(5) Tampa Bay (6) at New Orleans (7) BYE (8) Arizona (9) at Los Angeles

In order to keep pace, Carolina needs to win three of these four games. Currently dealing with a lot of nagging injuries the Panthers will greatly appreciate the bye week, if they can get there first. Seven players did not practice and six others were limited on Thursday leading into the Monday night game against Tampa Bay.

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— Bryan Strickland (@PanthersBryan) October 6, 2016

Of the four, Carolina would love to have wins in both divisional games leaving them in second or first place entering the bye. Even with the status of quarterback Cam Newton up in the air, Derek Anderson and the Panthers best chance for victory is Monday night.

New Orleans is currently enjoying their bye week and will have a few players return to face the Panthers. Also, Drew Brees continues to lead a high-powered passing attack which doesn’t bode well for the current state of the Carolina secondary.

A 3-1 stretch here would leave the Panthers at 4-4 midway through the season.

Oct 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrambles from pressure by Carolina Panthers defensive end Mario Addison (97) during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Carolina defeated Seattle, 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

(10) Kansas City (11) New Orleans (12) at Oakland (13) at Seattle

A difficult stretch of games including two tough AFC West opponents, a divisional game, and a west coast trip for possibly an extended stay. Since 2012, Seattle has felt almost like a divisional opponent as the two teams will meet for the seventh time in the five year stretch. The Panthers need to be 2-2 or better during this difficult run of games.

One of the two victories needs to be over New Orleans at home. Divisional wins are a must for the Panthers after losing the initial matchup with Atlanta. Also, depending on the outcome of the game in New Orleans, the home contest could take on even more ramifications in the standings.

If Carolina wants to push for a return to the playoffs and unprecedented fourth consecutive divisional title, they must win at home. A split out west during weeks 12 and 13 would almost be considered a win depending on the record at that time.

Moving along at 2-2, but hoping for 3-1, the Panthers would be 6-6 or 7-5 with four games remaining.

Oct 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 48-33. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

(14) San Diego (15) at Washington (16) Atlanta (17) at Tampa Bay

The final stretch of games doesn’t appear too daunting with the current state of the league. However, depending on what takes place prior and where the Panthers are entering the home stretch will play a role in their approach to these games. Hopefully Carolina has something to fight for and if arriving here at 6-6 or 7-5 they should.

Returning from the extended trip out west, Carolina welcomes a Chargers team traveling the opposite direction. Both this home matchup and the road game at Washington will be must wins entering two final divisional contests to conclude the regular season.

By Week 16, the Panthers should have the secondary woes corrected. While the combination of Matt Ryan and Julio Jones will be difficult to contain, the game should be closer in Carolina. Remember, despite the monster game by both in Atlanta, twice Derek Anderson brought the Panthers back within one score in the final quarter.

A 3-1 finish down the stretch will probably be needed to compete for a playoff position. If so, the Carolina Panthers would finish a projected 10-6 or 9-7. Depending on the state of the division and conference Carolina would likely be playoff eligible and post the first back-to-back winning seasons in franchise history.