While star cornerback Josh Norman has moved on, there are still plenty of key pieces back from that Super Bowl run. If quarterback Cam Newton can get back to his Superman form, the Panthers could once again be among the best teams in the NFL.
However, if he struggles and the secondary once again has issues, another sub-.500 season could be in the cards. This team seems like it could have a wide variety of outcomes, and the oddsmakers have decided to split the difference with their projected win total for Carolina in 2017.
Carolina Panthers Opening Futures Odds at BookMaker.eu
Panthers Over 9 Wins -118
Panthers Under 9 Wins -102
2017 Carolina Panthers Offense Preview
The Panthers averaged 23.1 points per game a season ago, which was middle of the pack after dominating in 2015. Newton took a big step back, finishing with 3,509 passing yards with 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He will have Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen back as the top targets, although Ted Ginn left in free agency.
The biggest addition is first-round pick Christian McCaffrey, who is capable of contributing immediately in both the running and passing game. Jonathan Stewart is getting old and can’t be counted on to be the main running back for much longer, so McCaffrey will have plenty of opportunity to see playing time.
While there are other players that matter, much of the success will come down to Newton. He is coming back from shoulder surgery and has to prove he can remain healthy. If injuries linger, it will severely hamper Carolina’s chances to win more than nine games.
2017 Carolina Panthers Defense Preview
Carolina has a talented front seven, led by linebacker Luke Kuechly, defensive tackle Kawann Short and linebacker Thomas Davis. Kuechly suffered a concussion at the end of last year and missed several games, and he is an integral piece in 2017.
The Panthers suffered badly after the departure of Norman, as their pass defense had trouble slowing down opposing signal-callers. Carolina gave up 25.1 points per game a season ago, and if players like James Bradberry and Daryl Worley don’t step up, it could be more of the same this season.
Carolina was dominant defensively two years ago and needs to get back to that.
2017 Carolina Panthers Schedule Analysis
Carolina plays in a tough division but otherwise has a pretty easy slate. While the New England Patriots are on the docket early, the Panthers also face the 49ers, Bills, Saints and Lions by Week 5, which are four teams they can beat.
The Bears, Eagles, Dolphins and Jets are among the other non-divisional games, so there are plenty of winnable contests on the schedule. This is a big reason why the Panthers are projected to improve by three games in 2017.
The Final Verdict
The Panthers certainly aren’t as bad as they showed last season. For whatever reason, it never came together after the Super Bowl push and it was a lost year. However, Newton is still a physical marvel in the prime of his career, and there are some standouts on defense.
McCaffrey is a nice addition and he should help take the stress off of Newton entirely on offense. The Panthers are going to turn it around in 2017. Expect double-digit wins and a return trip to the playoffs for Newton and his cohorts. The Super Bowl may be a bit of a longshot, but Carolina is one of the more talented teams in the NFC.
NFL Odds: Carolina Panthers Over 9 Wins (-118)
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