The Carolina Panthers surprised people in 2025 by winning the NFC South.
Sure, they did so with a losing record and a -69-scoring differential, but they won when it mattered. That team didn't lose many key contributors, and they even added a few this offseason.
So why does it seem like the Panthers are being overlooked ahead of 2026? It's not like the NFC South got THAT much better this offseason. Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report recently ranked each team's path to the playoffs, and the Panthers got disrespected.
Today, we're going to talk about how the Panthers are being overlooked, and why it's unwise to do so.
Panthers Given Slim Chance to Repeat as Champions
Gagnon grouped each NFL team in tiers based on their likelihood of making the postseason. The bottom tier, titled "miracle required," features five teams.
Then, the next tier is titled "needs everything to go right." That tier features six teams and is where the Panthers are place. Gagnon has the Panthers at No. 26, just slightly more likely to make the playoffs than the Tennessee Titans, who went 3-14 a year ago.
"They snuck in last year despite a losing record and a negative-69 scoring margin, and the NFC South remains wide open," Gagnon said of the Panthers. "That said, their schedule is the third-toughest in the league this year, and I still don't trust quarterback Bryce Young behind an offensive line that will at the very least lack continuity to start 2026."
As Gagnon mentioned, the Panthers do have a very tough schedule in 2026. However, as the writer mentioned just before that point, the NFC South is still wide open. Even if the Panthers struggle with their tougher opponents, if they take care of business in the division, they'll still be in decent shape.
Bryce Young is why Panthers Shouldn't be Overlooked
Gagnon also mentioned that he doesn't "trust" Bryce Young. Young is coming off his best season as a pro, and he's looked fantastic this summer. The quarterback looks comfortable in this offense, and he has the weapons around him to have an even better year.
Young also has a contract extension to play for. The quarterback got some confidence back last season, and he'll be even more motivated now. Another solid season and not only will the Panthers return to the postseason, but Young will indeed get an extension also.
