NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 30: D.J. Moore #12 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 30, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
The Carolina Panthers are ushering in a new era with Matt Rhule and Teddy Bridgewater. How many wins will they get from the 2020 NFL schedule?
A year ago, the Carolina Panthers dropped their first two games with a hobbled Cam Newton behind center. Then it was Kyle Allen to the rescue and the team won five of its next six games. But it would not end well for Ron Rivera, dismissed with four weeks to go. New head coach and first-time NFL sideline leader Matt Rhule inherits an eight-game losing streak and a 5-11 club. So what about this year’s slate of contests?
Weeks 1-4
Final
Las Vegas Raiders
31
Carolina Panthers
20
The Silver and Black make their first appearance in Charlotte since 2012 as these inner conference foes renew acquaintances for just the seventh time. The last time these clubs clashed four years ago, the Raiders came away with a 35-32 win at Oakland. Look for Derek Carr, Josh Jacobs and Jon Gruden’s offense to have its way.
Final
Carolina Panthers
19
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
34
In truth, the Panthers did defeat the Buccaneers on a road this past season. But the game was in London, England, as Carolina came away with a 37-26 victory in Week 6. But that was a contest in which then-Bucs’ quarterback James Winston was extremely careless with the football. That won’t be the case with veteran Tom Brady.
Final
Carolina Panthers
19
Los Angeles Chargers
27
Matt Rhule’s team heads west takes on the Chargers as these interconference foes collide for only the seventh time in a series that dates back to 1997 when the Bolts still r4esided in San Diego. It will be interesting to see if Anthony Lynn’s new quarterback is rookie Justin Herbert. In any case, the Chargers have too much talent.
Final
Arizona Cardinals
20
Carolina Panthers
19
The Panthers host the Cardinals for the first time since 2016 so the team will get a first-hand look at Arizona second-year quarterback Kyler Murray. Of course, former Baylor head coach/turned Panthers’ sideline leader Matt Rhule knows a little something about the 2018 Heisman Trophy winner. But not enough to stop the Cards.