Panthers Predicted to Crater After Surprise 2025 Spike

The Carolina Panthers didn’t enter the 2025 season with many expectations, at least from the outside.

The team had just gone 5-12 in 2024, and the roster didn’t seem that much improved. However, due to some clutch close wins and the relative incompetence of the NFC South, the Panthers surprised and won the division.

Typically, playoff teams get the benefit of the doubt for the next season as well. That has not been the case with the Panthers, though, as you’re more likely to see a negative prediction for the team in 2026 than a positive one.

That trend continues today, as another NFL writer predicts a major fall off for the Panthers in 2026.

Panthers Predicted to Finish 5-12 in 2026

Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News recently published his 2026 NFL predictions. Iyer predicted the order of finish for each division, and Panthers fans better hope these don’t come true.

Iyer has the Panthers finishing with a pitiful 5-12 record, the same as they had in 2024, and finishing in third place in the division. Iyer has the Saints winning the division with an 8-9 mark, and the Buccaneers finishing in second at 6-11.

“The Bucs are set for a fade with Todd Bowles, while the Panthers will regress from their surprise spike,” Iyer said. “The Falcons are too much of a QB mess to put higher than last place.”

The Panthers do have a very tough schedule in 2026. According to Sharp Football Analysis, only two NFL teams have a tougher stretch than the Panthers do. This is unfortunate, but as long as the NFC South remains extremely winnable, the Panthers have a chance.

On paper, this team didn’t get any worse. In fact, the two big additions the team made, Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips, should make a big impact on the defense. There’s also Tetairoa McMillan and an intriguing one-two punch at running back.

The biggest X-factor, though, is quarterback Bryce Young. Young had his best-ever season in 2025, and if he takes another step in 2026, there’s no limit to how good the Panthers can be. Young has looked awesome this summer, and his chemistry with McMillan could make the pairing an exciting duo to watch.

If Iyer’s prediction comes true, though, there will likely be big changes coming to Carolina. Young is entering a contract year in 2027, and if the Panthers regress in 2026, it’s hard to imagine the quarterback getting a massive extension.