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Projections say Panthers could fall from first to worst in NFC South

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 5:45 PM

Last updated Aug 20, 2026

Projections say Panthers could fall from first to worst in NFC South

Summary

A projection model from The Athletic indicates the Carolina Panthers may drop to last place in the NFC South in 2026, finishing with an estimated 6.7 wins. This follows their playoff appearance last season, where they won the NFC South with an 8-9 record. The model cites a challenging schedule and concerns over quarterback Bryce Young's protection, as injuries have affected the offensive line during training camp. Starting tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton are likely to miss regular-season time, impacting the team’s performance. The Panthers' heavy investment in their offensive line has yet to yield the desired results.

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Status Watch

•Panthers finished first in NFC South last season with an 8-9 record.
•Model predicts Carolina will finish fourth in the division with 6.7 wins in 2026.
•Injuries to key offensive linemen are complicating the outlook for Bryce Young.
•Panthers invested heavily in their offensive line but have faced performance issues.
•Only Arizona Cardinals rank lower in projections than the Panthers in the NFC.

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