The Carolina Panthers schedule is set for 2021, which means it’s time for a schedule breakdown. The Panthers ended the 2020 season with a 5-11 record in year one of the Matt Rhule era. A season full of promise faded down the stretch as Carolina started 3-2 and then only won two of their final 11 games.
The acquisition of Sam Darnold in the off-season and trading away Teddy Bridgewater means there will be a new starter under center in Carolina. Owner David Tepper is looking for progress from Rhule’s squad in 2021. However, can the Panthers compete for a playoff spot in the competitive NFC South? Let’s break down the Carolina Panthers 2021 NFL schedule from their toughest game to their easiest game on paper.
Breakdown of the Carolina Panthers Schedule By Difficulty
1) At Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Week 18)
Any time a team has to travel to the defending Super Bowl champions, that has to be ranked the most difficult game on the schedule. Plus Tom Brady’s Buccaneers are a division rival, making this game even more crucial. General Manager Jason Licht successfully managed to bring the band back together in Tampa. Shaquil Barrett, Lavonte David, Chris Godwin, and Antonio Brown among others all re-signed in some shape or form this off-season. This is a tough game to end the regular season for the Panthers if they need a win to secure a playoff spot.
2) At Buffalo Bills (Week 15)
The first of a three in four road game stretch to end the regular season for Carolina. The Bills are fresh off a trip to the AFC Championship Game in 2020 and Josh Allen is expected to be in the MVP conversation once again this season. Sean McDermott has turned the Bills into a powerhouse in the league. With the likely return of packed stadiums in 2021, Western New York will be rocking when the Panthers travel to play the defending AFC East champion Bills.
3) At New Orleans Saints (Week 17)
Similarly to the Bills game, the crowd will be raucous if the Mercedes Benz Superdome is at full capacity in 2021. Even with the retirement of Drew Brees this off-season, the Saints boast a stout defense and plenty of offensive weapons to put up points on any given Sunday. Whether it’s Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill at quarterback for the Saints, Sean Payton will put together a quality game plan as always.
4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Week 16)
Although this will be a home game for the Panthers, Tampa Bay commands respect having just won the Super Bowl. Bruce Arians led his side to three road playoff wins before lifting the Lombardi Trophy on home turf in Florida. The back end of the Carolina Panthers schedule is loaded with tough games. They play the defending Super Bowl champions twice in three weeks to end the regular season.
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5) At Arizona Cardinals (Week 10)
Kyler Murray is a popular dark-horse MVP candidate for the 2021 season and he will lead a stacked offense full of explosive playmakers. A.J. Green and Rondale Moore joined DeAndre Hopkins on that side of the ball this off-season while the defense gained J.J. Watt and will get back veteran pass rusher Chandler Jones.
6) At Miami Dolphins (Week 12)
The Dolphins failed to make the playoffs despite achieving a 10-6 record in 2020. Brian Flores is one of the best coaches in the league and has turned Miami into a tough opponent. Especially on defense. The training wheels will also come off 2020 first-round quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in 2021.
7) At Dallas Cowboys (Week 4)
Absence made Cowboys fan’s hearts grow fonder for Dak Prescott in Dallas last season. The Cowboys struggled to a 6-10 record in 2020 which led to them tying down their face of the franchise Prescott to a new 4-year, $160 million contract this off-season. The offense should be difficult for anyone to slow down in 2021.
8) New England Patriots (Week 9)
New England has been on a wild spending spree this off-season. Year one without Tom Brady didn’t go as planned for Bill Belichick and the Patriots. A quarterback competition between Cam Newton and 2021 first-round pick Mac Jones awaits in camp. However, the Patriots will be better across the roster following significant upgrades on both sides of the ball.
9) New Orleans Saints (Week 2)
Carolina kicks off their NFC South divisional games in Week 2. The Saints are one of the teams to beat in the division and until the Atlanta Falcons prove they are on that level, games with New Orleans must be ranked more difficult. Divisional games tend to be closer than everyone expects going in.
10) Minnesota Vikings (Week 6)
Minnesota was one of last season’s most disappointing teams. Mike Zimmer will right the ship but the Panthers have the benefit of playing this game in their own building. This is a front-runner for a sneaky good game of the week if both teams get off to a decent start.
11) At Atlanta Falcons (Week 8)
There’s a new front office and coaching staff in Atlanta. A re-worked contract for Matt Ryan suggests they are committed to the veteran quarterback for at least the next two seasons. Kyle Pitts is yet another explosive offensive weapon to go along with Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. They will be tough to slow down if Arthur Smith’s scheme clicks.
12) At New York Giants (Week 7)
The Giants made quiet strides forward in 2020 under Joe Judge. Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham has some more pieces to work with and Daniel Jones gained several playmakers to throw the ball to, including Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney. The Giants will be tougher in 2021 but until Jones proves he can lead this franchise, they remain easier on paper than several of Carolina’s opponents.
13) Washington Football Team (Week 11)
Despite winning the NFC East in 2020, Washington should enter Carolina as underdogs in 2021. Ron Rivera has a lively and explosive defense, led by Chase Young, that will keep many games closer than they should be. However, any team facing either Ryan Fitzpatrick or Taylor Heinicke as the opposing quarterback will fancy their chances in their own building.
14) Atlanta Falcons (Week 14)
Atlanta on paper is not a difficult opponent at this point in time hence why the home game for Carolina ranks low in terms of difficulty. However, divisional games are traditionally close. The old saying, “throw the form guide out the window” tends to hold true in relation to divisional games. Expect both games against Atlanta to be close.
15) New York Jets (Week 1)
The Carolina Panthers schedule kicks off Week 1 with a home game against one of 2021’s most intriguing teams. Robert Salah is regarded by many as the right man to save the sinking ship in New York. There’s a new quarterback in town as Zach Wilson is expected to start under center as a rookie. However, it’s a bold prediction at this stage to suggest the Jets will be more difficult than many opponents on the Panthers schedule.
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16) Philadelphia Eagles (Week 5)
The Eagles are facing a difficult cap situation and were unable to fill many of their roster holes this off-season. Jalen Hurts gave the fan base some hope in 2020 but he only started four games and the Eagles were 1-3 with him under center. New head coach Nick Sirianni has done little to instill more hope since his hire.
17) At Houston Texans (Week 3)
Until the world knows what is going to happen with Deshaun Watson, we have to assume the worst. Without Watson, Houston is the favorite to be the worst team in the league.
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