NFL Record Predictions: Where do the Redskins end up in the pack?
By Ian Cummings
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were another team that just barely missed the NFC playoffs in my prediction. I really like the Panthers. Norv Turner showed impressive creativity on offense with Cam Newton and Co, last year, and this year, they return all of their essential pieces, with a stout offensive line as the unit’s core.
On defense, the Panthers entered the offseason thin on all three levels, but they did a great job of adding talent; in the NFL Draft, they added generational pass rusher Brian Burns and versatile linebacker Christian Miller, and in free agency, at various points, they added Gerald McCoy, Tre Boston, and they retained playmaking safety Eric Reid.
The depth is still an issue for Carolina, particularly in the secondary, but they can easily make a playoff push this year. If they were in any other division, they likely would have made it in this simulation. But the NFC South is truly the gridiron of giants, and unfortunately, a good team is bound to stay home in January.