The NFL Season is nearly upon us. The season kicks off on Wednesday, September 9. Between now and then, we’ll be previewing all 32 NFL Teams along with playoff picks. One team will be previewed each day, beginning with the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks and ending with the New York Jets. Check back each day for the next installment!

Things broke right for the Panthers in 2025. Under Dave Canales Bryce Young was solid enough and the Panthers were a surprise at times. They weren’t incredible, but they hung around .500 and that was enough to be in a tight division race. When all the wheels stopped spinning, they earned the tiebreaker to make the playoffs as a division winner at 8-9. Can they take a step further in 2026? Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

The Panthers saw a few key players move on this off-season. Chief among them was running back Rico Dowdle, who stepped in and filled the void for a chunk of the season, finishing as RB18. He moved on to the Steelers. Interior lineman A’Shawn Robinson moved within the division, landing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team also lost center Cade Mays to the Lions. They also bid farewell to longtime backup quarterback Andy Dalton.

The Panthers also brought in some players. To add depth on offense, the team brought in Kenny Pickett at quarterback and added John Metchie III at receiver and Darren Waller at tight end. On defense, the team added edge Jaelen Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd. In the draft, the Panthers added Monroe Freeling as an offensive tackle and young receiver Chris Brazzell, who is out for the year.

Fantasy Impact

Young was QB19 in 2026. It feels like a mid-to-low-end QB2 is about right for him in 2026 as well. In the backfield Chuba Hubbard is the lead, but the question is what third-year back Jonathan Brooks can provide. He’s been injured his first two seasons but now is healthy and ready to compete. I like Hubbard as a low-end RB2, and Brooks is a stash to watch.

In the passing game, as a rookie Tet McMillan was great. He finished as WR16 and is probably the most steady and reliable fantasy asset on the team. Xavier Legette hasn’t really ever gotten going, and Jalen Coker has struggled with injuries. Of the two, I like Coker as a deep league flex option. At tight end, I don’t know what to make. The team has Tommy Tremble and Ja’Tavion Sanders to go with Waller. I’m staying away.

Prediction

The Panthers won the division in 2025 but didn’t look particularly impressive. I think they’re in for about the same kind of season in 2026. The range of wins feels like it’s in the seven to 10 range, and I’m leaning lower and out of the playoffs.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.