NFL Season Predictions: Will Panthers rebound in 2017? 8/17/17
Will the Carolina Panthers rebound in 2017? If so, will they win at least nine games this upcoming NFL season?
The Odds
According to oddsmakers, the Panthers’ over/under for wins in 2017 has been set at 9. The team also has odds of 30/1 to win the Super Bowl and is 13/1 to win the NFC Conference Championship. Finally, Carolina is 5/2 to win the NFC South Division.
Panthers Offseason
In efforts to improve their offensive line, the Panthers signed former Minnesota left tackle Matt Kalil to a five-year, $55.50 million contract. Carolina also signed cornerback Captain Munnerlyn and added receiver Russell Shepard. Julius Peppers returns to Charlotte after stints in Chicago and Green Bay, while Mike Adams signed from Indianapolis.
As far as the draft, Carolina selected Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey with the eighth overall pick in the first round. The team then went back to offense in the second round with the selections of Ohio State receiver Curtis Samuel and Western Michigan guard Taylor Moton.
Panthers Season Prediction
I think Carolina’s floor this season is nine wins. Their defense should rebound after the departure of corner Josh Norman sunk the unit more than anyone expected. Cam Newton’s shoulder is concern, but assuming he’s healthy, the additions of McCaffrey and Samuel are huge. Jonathan Stewart and Kelvin Benjamin also return.
The key to a defensive turnaround is the development of corners James Bradberry and Daryl Worley. The pair was thrown into the fire as rookies last season. If they can show vast improvement, there’s enough pass rush that Carolina’s defense will have a massive rebound.
Some believe the Panthers are a Super Bowl contender again and while I won’t go that far, I also won’t rule out the possibility. Bottom line, I think this is a nine-to-11-win team. So I’ll take the over.
NFL Season Prediction: Carolina Panthers over 9 wins
