July 11, 2026, 12:45 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
Heading into the 2026 NFL season, the Carolina Panthers<\/a> are a study in contradictions. It’s true that their roster and overall outlook has dramatically improved compared to a few years ago, but they’re also facing heightened expectations and a much more difficult schedule than they did in 2025.<\/p>\n So, how do these Panthers compare to the rest of the league as training camp approaches? A new batch of power rankings from Bleacher Report<\/a> has them in a pretty appropriate spot, coming in at No. 20 on the list.<\/p>\n Gary Davenport writes:<\/p>\n The Carolina Panthers are the reigning NFC South champions, and, on paper, they’re a better team now than they were a year ago… Of course, the Panthers’ 2026 season will largely be defined by the growth that Young does or doesn’t make. He played at an above-average level in 2025, but he still hasn’t quite established himself as a franchise quarterback. Carolina is going to need one to fend off the rest of the division. The Panthers have the pieces to repeat as division champs, but an 8-9 record isn’t likely to get it done this year.<\/p>\n As far as x-factors go, three players stand out more than any others\u2014quarterback Bryce Young, inside linebacker Devin Lloyd and outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips. If Young can take another step forward in his development, it will go a long way towards neutralizing the third-most difficult schedule<\/a> in the league this year.<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n If newcomers Lloyd and Phillips can take Carolina’s defense to the next level as well, they may even be a dangerous kind of dark-horse team in a crowded NFC field.<\/p>\n The most challenging portion of the schedule will begin just before the Panthers’ early bye week, when they host the Detroit Lions<\/a> on Sunday Night Football in Week 4. After they return from the bye, they visit the Philadelphia Eagles<\/a>, then they’ll host the Buccaneers<\/a>, followed by a Thursday night road trip to Green Bay, then a home game against the Denver Broncos<\/a>.<\/p>\n If Carolina can emerge from that stretch with a record around .500 at midseason, there’s a realistic chance of making the playoffs and repeating as NFC South champions<\/a>.<\/p>\n