2025 NFL Preview: Carolina Panthers Season Outlook, Schedule & Prediction

2025 CAROLINA PANTHERS SEASON PREVIEW

It was an ugly start to the 2024 season for the Carolina Panthers. After being outscored 73-13 in the first two games, the Panthers turned to Andy Dalton. Carolina began the season 1-7 and gave the job back to Bryce Young, who performed well down the stretch. The Panthers won just five games but return Young and Chuba Hubbard within the offense.

OFFENSE

The quarterback position is one that the Panthers have been searching for in recent years. Young looked like he was going downhill at the beginning of the 2024 season. After being sat down, Young returned and showed improvement to build on heading into the season. This is a major factor for Carolina.

Young will have other weapons to help him grow this season. Chuba Hubbard was extended last year after an extremely productive season. The Panthers also used their first-round pick on Tet McMillan, who has a chance to be a star right away. This moves Xavier Legette into the secondary role while veteran receiver Adam Thielen remains in the mix in the slot.

The Panthers made sure to build up the offensive line to protect their young quarterback. Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt came in to take over the guard positions. Taylor Moton is an elite right tackle while Ikem Ekwonu continues to grow as a reliable option.

Hubbard rushed for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. McMillan has the potential to be a 1,000-yard receiver as well. The roster is not a complete product but the skill positions are in a good spot for Carolina.

DEFENSE

The Panthers’ defense was a complete mess last year. This did not help as the offense struggled to find its footing as well. Carolina finished dead last in the league in both points and yards allowed. 

Carolina also dealt with some injuries — most importantly Derrick Brown. He played just one game last season and this caused severe ramifications, especially with the loss of Brian Burns in a trade. Brown will return to join a promising front with Bobby Brown and Tershawn Wharton.

The Panthers could not get to the quarterback last season. DJ Wonnum was the best of the bunch but did not have much help. Wonnum played in just eight games last season. In a full slate, he has a chance to log double-digit sacks. 

In the secondary, the Panthers added Tre’von Moehrig to pair with Demani Richardson. At cornerback, Jaycee Horn continues to lead the way looking to bounced back after a down year.

The final liability of the defense was in the middle. Carolina did not excel in any facet last season. Josey Jewell turned in a productive season but will need some help at the linebacker position.

SCHEDULE

Week 1: at Jacksonville Jaguars 

Week 2: at Arizona Cardinals

Week 3: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week 4: at New England Patriots

Week 5: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 6: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 7: at New York Jets 

Week 8: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 9: at Green Bay Packers 

Week 10: vs. New Orleans Saints 

Week 11: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 12: at San Francisco 49ers

Week 13: vs. Los Angeles Rams

Week 14: BYE WEEK

Week 15: at New Orleans Saints

Week 16: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 17: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week 18: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record Prediction: 4-13