Carolina's 2022 season outlook changed noticeably in early-July when they acquired quarterback Baker Mayfield from the Browns for a 2024 conditional draft pick. The former #1 overall pick will battle in training camp with the player selected two picks after him, Sam Darnold, for the starting job though Mayfield seems to have the inside track. If he were to play at an above average level in a contract year and star running back Christian McCaffrey can remain healthy, the Panthers have a strong chance to contend for second place in the NFC South behind Tampa Bay.
The Panthers' odds shifted dramatically immediately following the Mayfield trade as oddsmakers believe the former Cleveland QB gives them a better chance to win. With Matt Rhule likely coaching for his long term job status in 2022, expect Carolina to be aggressive with its game planning on both sides of the ball.'
The schedule starts out like a dream in September and early October with a Week 1 home game against Mayfield's former team, then three more winnable games against the Giants, Saints, and Cardinals. Anything short of a 3-1 start might be bad news considering in four of the next five weeks, the Panthers play both Super Bowl LVI representatives, the Rams and Bengals, plus the' NFC runner up 49ers and Super Bowl LV champion, Tom Brady's Buccaneers.
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