The future looks bright in Carolina, but is it still too soon to expect the franchise's first playoff berth since 2017?
As it stands, Frank Reich is the new coach in charge, and he has a star-studded staff to help him turn things around in Charlotte. The Panthers made several high-impact free agent additions on offense, including veteran receivers Adam Thielen and DJ Chark, tight end Hayden Hurst, running back Miles Sanders and a massive re-signing in Bradley Bozeman.
Whoever takes over at quarterback should be set up for success in 2023. The question is, who will it be? Andy Dalton, another free-agency addition, is the veteran of the group and could capably command what appears to be a solid offense. But Carolina traded the Bears an incredible amount of draft capital — and receiver D.J. Moore — to move up and draft Bryce Young first overall.
It stands to reason the rookie will eventually get the start in Carolina, especially considering the price the franchise paid to move up and grab him. If he looks anything like he did at Alabama, then it's not unreasonable to wonder whether the rookie can help the Panthers to the playoffs.
MORE: Watch 2023 NFL games with Fubo (free trial)
Here's everything you need to know about the Panthers' 2023 schedule, including projected win-loss total in the first year of the Reich regime.
Carolina Panthers schedule 2023
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff time (ET) | TV channel |
| 1 | Sept. 10 | at Falcons | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 2 | Sept. 18 | vs. Saints (MNF) | 7:15 p.m. | ESPN |
| 3 | Sept. 24 | at Seahawks | 4:05 p.m. | CBS |
| 4 | Oct. 1 | vs. Vikings | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 5 | Oct. 8 | at Lions | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 6 | Oct. 15 | at Dolphins | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 7 | BYE | |||
| 8 | Oct. 29 | vs. Texans | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 9 | Nov. 5 | vs. Colts | 4:05 p.m. | CBS |
| 10 | Nov. 9 | at Bears (TNF) | 8:15 p.m. | Amazon Prime |
| 11 | Nov. 19 | vs. Cowboys | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 12 | Nov. 26 | at Titans | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 13 | Dec. 3 | at Buccaneers | 4:05 p.m. | CBS |
| 14 | Dec. 10 | at Saints | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 15 | Dec. 17 | vs. Falcons | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 16 | Dec. 24 | vs. Packers | 1 p.m. | Fox |
| 17 | Dec. 31 | at Jaguars | 1 p.m. | CBS |
| 18 | TBD | vs. Buccaneers | TBD | TBD |
Panthers' strength of schedule
The Panthers have the third-easiest schedule of any NFL team in 2023, per Sharp Football Analysis. Their opponents went a combined 108-128-2 last season (45.3 winning percentage).
Here are some notes regarding their 2023 schedule, using 2022 metrics:
- Eight teams had a losing record
- Four teams (Lions, Jaguars, Dolphins and Seahawks) were one loss away from a losing record
- Two teams (Vikings and Cowboys) had 10-plus wins
- Three teams won their division (Jaguars, Vikings and Buccaneers)
- Six playoff teams
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Toughest tests: The Panthers have one fewer home game in 2023 than they had last season, and two of those will come against opponents — the Vikings and Cowboys — that will be favored. Moreover, Reich and Co. will face four playoff-hopeful teams on the road in the Dolphins, Jaguars, Lions and Seahawks; all but Detroit made the 2022 NFL playoffs.
Biggest breaks: Glass half full, the Cowboys and Vikings both visit Bank of America Stadium this year. The entire NFC South will replace their quarterback from 2022; the Packers will break in a full-time starter for the first time in 2023, and it's likely the Colts and Texans do so as well. Eight teams on Carolina's schedule had a losing record in 2022, including the entire NFC South.
Bottom line: The Panthers have a schedule that seems to set them up for success in 2023. The wide-open NFC South also sets up the possibility for Carolina to make the playoffs as a divisional champion, if not as a wild card.
The team has made improvements in key areas on offense: especially at quarterback. The Panthers will likely count on Young to lead a postseason run in 2023, but his development will be key to any playoff berth Carolina may hope for this year.
Record prediction: 9-8
