2015 NFL Football – Panthers Analysis
The Carolina Panthers will go for a third straight NFC South crown in 2015 with largely the same lineup that did some good thing last year. They added a much-needed receiver in the draft and will go into the season with a defense that once again made some noise in 2014.
Panthers Odds
2015 Carolina Panthers Odds to win the 2016 Super Bowl: 40/1
2015 Carolina Panthers Odds to win the 2015 NFC Conference: 22/1
2015 Season Win Total: Panthers 8.5 wins (OVER -110, UNDER -120); 2014 wins: 7
***2015 BONUSES***
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In a weak division the Panthers look like the team to beat – they are arguably the most complete team in the South and they have some guy named Cam Newton who may be the most talented player in the entire division.
A full season from Jonathan Stewart as the unquestioned #1 back will also help this upcoming season as will the 27th easiest schedule in the NFL.
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So where does Carolina finish? After a seven win season last year Vegas has their win Total set at 8.5. Will the Panthers eclipse that of will they fall short and disappoint their legion of fans in 2015? Let’s take a look at the entire schedule and predict which games they will win and which games they will lose.
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13, at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.
The Jacksonville Jaguars on paper look like they will be one of the doormats again this year. Carolina’s defense should dominate an unflattering Jags offense again and Cam Newton and Jonathan Stewart should have their way in Week 1.
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20, Houston, 1 p.m.
Houston at home in Week 2 should be another win for Carolina. Sure the Texans have JJ Watt, Vince Wilfork and Jadeveon Clowney but they will also go with Brian Hoyer at QB – yikes! Houston will need to run the ball to win – I can’t see it happening against the Panthers strong front. Expect Carolina to start the season 2-0.
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 27, New Orleans, 1 p.m.
The Saints seem to have taken a step back this past offseason – the loss of Jimmy Graham will be huge in this game – he terrorized Carolina in his career. The Saints simply don’t have enough weapons here and the Carolina defense matches up very well with Drew Brees and company. Take the Panthers to move to 3-0.
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4, at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.
Carolina stays on a roll and after Week 4 they will be undefeated. The Bucs had a decent offseason but Jameis Winston will be fodder for Carolina’s fired up defense. Carolina beat Tampa twice last year with Derek Anderson at the helm – with Cam Newton at the helm this looks like a mismatch.
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 11, Bye
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 18, at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.
Off their bye the Panthers have the misfortune of visiting the Seahawks – a team that they have played tough the last couple of seasons but have been unable to solve. Jimmy Graham saves his best for Carolina and Seattle’s new wrinkle does some more damage here.
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Carolina suffers their first loss of the season in a typically low scoring physical game.
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 25, Philadelphia, 8:30 p.m.
I am not sure about Philadelphia and Sam Bradford! The Eagles off-season makeover could go either way. My guess is that the continuity of Carolina beats a team that retooled completely in the offseason. Carolina heads into their Monday night showdown 5-1.
Week 8: Monday, Nov. 2, Indianapolis, 8:30 p.m.
It is hard to imagine the Panthers being able to score enough to keep up with the Colts in this one. On National television where Carolina was 0-3 last year, Andrew Luck is the difference. No shame is losing to Indianapolis though!
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 8, Green Bay, 1 p.m.
The Panthers face their second elite QB in a row in Week 8 and the weakness on defense (the secondary) is exposed. Green Bay blew Carolina out of the water last year – my guess is that the same happens here. Carolina heads into Tennessee on a two game losing streak.
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 15, at Tennessee, 1 p.m.
The Titans will be improved but not enough to get by the Panthers in this one. Marcus Mariota will still be going through some growing pains and the Panthers on paper look better in every aspect of the game. This looks like a win for Carolina as they move to 6-3.
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22, Washington, 1 p.m.
The Washington Redskins failed to address some glaring weaknesses – particularly at QB. They are still the dysfunctional Skins that we have come to expect – relying on Robert Griffin is a scary proposition – the Panthers defense terrorized him en route to an easy win.
Week 12: Thursday, Nov. 26, at Dallas, 4:30 p.m.
Greg Hardy should be back after serving a 10 game suspension and he will be out to exact some revenge on his former team. The Cowboys will score some points – I’m not sure the retooled Cowboys defense will be that generous at home on Thanksgiving Day. Take the Cowboys to hand Carolina their fourth loss of the season.
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 6, at New Orleans, 1 p.m.
The Panthers won this matchup last season 41-10 and have won two of their last three trips to the Superdome. The Saints are still a prideful bunch – I think the Superdome advantage returns this year and that the Saints avenge an ugly loss in this matchup last year. The Panthers head home to face the Falcons with a 7-5 record.
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 13, Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Atlanta is an improved team that will be motivated to bring down their divisional foe here. Atlanta’s new Coach was masterful in planning for Cam Newton when he was with Seattle – he brings that success to the Falcons. Take Atlanta to make a statement in the division here.
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 20, at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.
On the road against what is sure to be an improved Giants squad is a tall task in Week 15. I have the Giants contending for a playoff spot.
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The weakness in the secondary is exposed once again as Odell Beckham dominates and sends Carolina to an 8-6 record.
Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 27, at Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Cam Newton returns to the town he grew up in and dominates the Falcons in Week 16. Atlanta’s defense still isn’t where it needs to be as we head down the stretch and the combination of Newton and Jonathan Stewart do some damage in a surprisingly easy win for Carolina.
Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3, Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.
At 9-6 there Panthers wrap up their season at home against a Tampa team that has nothing to play for. Motivation is the key here – the Panthers rise to the occasion and claim the division with a beat down of the still-underwhelming Bucs.
As mentioned previously the NFC South is Carolina’s to lose. With so many returning players and in arguably the worst division in football I like Carolina to win 10 games, claim the division and to lose again in their postseason trip to Seattle.
2015 Panthers NFL Prediction
Carolina is still a piece or two away from really contending for an NFC crown or a Super Bowl title – a playoff spot seems likely but anything past that may still be a year away.
The 2015 NFL futures betting season is right around the corner! If you like to bet on the NFL, you are in the best possible place for online betting.
CappersPicks.com has NFL odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find NFL lines up for early games as well.
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