NFC East
The NFC sent 1 team to the playoffs, but had two with at least 10 wins. This division can be enigmatic year to year but typically presents strong competition.
Away @ Dallas (12-4)
Dallas has one of the best offensive lines, if not the best, in the NFL. I do not expect it to be too difficult for Jerry Jones to replace DeMarco Murray. They have made three of the last four playoffs, but were 8-8 in 2011 and 2012. The last time the Panthers and Cowboys faced off, the Cowboys won 19-14 in Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers have shown they can play with anybody, but will they play like they did at the beginning of 2014 or the end?
Away @ NY Giants (6-10)
The Giants have had back-to-back losing seasons (coinciding with the departure of now-Panthers GM Dave Gettleman), but Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning is still chucking the football, now to the newly anointed GOAT Odell Beckham Jr. The Giants have not looked like them old selves since 2012, and the Panthers should be favored heading into this one.
Home vs. Philadelphia (10-6)
I have no idea what to make of Philadelphia's offseason thus far. Is a backfield of Sam Bradford and DeMarco Murray / Ryan Matthews better than Nick Foles and LeSean McCoy? Potentially, yes, but the injury history is enough to make bookkeepers salivate. Chip Kelly has shown that his system can succeed in the NFL. The new pieces will need time and game play to align properly, so this matchup could come down to when the Panthers and Eagles face off.
Home vs. Washington (4-12)
I honestly feel bad for fans of the Washington franchise. Out of all the sports teams with Native American-themed mascots, the Redskins receive all of the hate nationwide. The RGIII trade set the franchise back three years. Then, Mike Shanahan proceeded to play him when he had not been cleared by the good Dr. James Andrews, shattering RG3's knee and self-confidence. Griffin has not looked like the same player on the field. This should be one of the safer wins on the schedule next year.
That's all for Lesson 5.
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Homework - Leave a comment!
How many of these games do you think the Panthers will win next year?
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