2025 Carolina Panthers projected win total, prediction

Young looked like a different quarterback when facing pressure after returning to the starting lineup in Week 8.

Against the Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles, Young converted a 3rd-and-11 from his end zone by avoiding oncoming Eagles pass-rushers, leaving the pocket and delivering an accurate throw on the run for a 31-yard gain to wide receiver Xavier Legette.

Two weeks later against the Arizona Cardinals, Young displayed perfect touch on two touchdowns with defenders converging on him, looking hardly recognizable from the easily flustered quarterback who started in Week 1.

Carolina selected wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan at No. 8 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the 2024 Biletnikoff Award finalist for best college football wide receiver could help Young take another leap.

Running back Chuba Hubbard, who rushed for 1,195 yards, could be in line for another strong season, which would take even more off Young's plate.

But for the Panthers to surpass expectations, the defense must be much better. Carolina ranked last in total and scoring defense, allowing 404.5 yards and 31.4 points per game. The Panthers particularly struggled against the run, allowing 3,057 rushing yards (179.8 yards per game) and a whopping 5.2 yards per carry.

Interior lineman Derrick Brown, who suffered a season-ending knee injury Week 1, should raise the unit's floor, as should free-agent defensive tackle signings Bobby Brown III and Tershawn Wharton and safety Tre'von Moehrig.

Cornerback Jaycee Horn reached the Pro Bowl for the first time in 2024 and is coming off a career-best 13 passes defended. In March, he signed a four-year, $100 million extension.

Our take: The Panthers have been arguably the league's worst team this decade, but they might finally be building toward something respectable. The playoffs are still at least year away, but an improved defense and further growth from Young should be enough for Carolina to surpass its projected win total.

Prediction: 7