The Carolina Panthers picked up a huge win in Week 2.
It was huge in terms of margin of victory and huge in terms of importance. The Panthers have a tough schedule, so they absolutely have to win their easier games, and that’s what they did against the Falcons last Sunday.
This weekend is another game that the Panthers cannot afford to lose. The team is playing the Browns, and despite looking better in Week 2, the Panthers should clearly still win.
Now, let’s go over some bold predictions for this matchup.
Chuba Hubbard Gets First 100-Yard Game Since 2024
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Chuba Hubbard is now the unquestioned RB1 after Jonathon Brooks was placed on injured reserve. Hubbard has been solid so far, but it’s fair to say he needs to step it up a little bit going forward.
Hubbard had 49 yards in Week 1 and 53 in Week 2. The veteran hasn’t had a 100-yard game since 2024, but I’m calling for that streak to end on Sunday. The Browns are gettable on the ground, and the Panthers will want to pound the ball with their receivers banged up.
Browns Get Held to Fewer Than 10 Points
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The Browns’ offense has looked much better so far in 2026 than it did for most of 2025. The team scored 10 points in Week 1 and 23 in Week 2.
The Panthers’ defense, meanwhile, has been Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. In the first week, the unit was horrendous, allowing over 500 yards and 59 points. In the second week, though, the unit locked down the Falcons, only allowing three points and forcing five turnovers.
I’m assuming the Week 2 performance was more indicative of what this team really is than Week 1. The Browns will have a bad day on offense and fail to reach 10 points.
Panthers’ Offensive Line Has Its Best Game
Much like the defense, the Panthers’ offensive line has also been up-and-down this season. In Week 1, the unit was bad, and in Week 2, the unit was much better, but still not great.
The Browns’ pass rush has not been bad this year. The unit has four sacks already, with three of those coming last year. However, there’s been an emphasis on Bryce Young getting rid of the ball, and I think an emphasis will be placed on running the ball. These factors make me believe the offensive line will look much better.
