Carolina Panthers could win NFC South with few wins
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A dream season for the Panthers would
Despite their tough slate of opponents, the Panthers have one NFL insider forecasting a hot start to 2026.
The Carolina Panthers have the schedule of a conference champion, with a ton of games against teams with realistic playoff aspirations this season, and not seeing many teams that are projected to be more focused on the NFL Draft than on the end of the 2026 season.
The Panthers are division champions and going to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season, thanks to the Falcons. The Falcons beat the Saints 19-17 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday to close their own season with four straight wins.