In 2015, the Carolina Panthers won their record third straight NFC South championship and later reached Super Bowl 50. Since then, they have posted a combined regular season record of 17-15 and lost their only playoff game over the past two seasons.

Nevertheless, the Panthers are coming off an 11-5 season and a playoff appearance. And they seem to have made some drastic improvements on both sides of the ball as they prepare for the 2018 season.

Not only that, but tight end Greg Olsen and wide receivers Curtis Samuel and Damiere Byrd are fully healthy again. But they are just three of a number of playmakers on Carolina’s offense.

Running the offense this season will be new offensive coordinator Norv Turner, a veteran NFL coach. On the other side is defensive coordinator Eric Washington, who previously served as the Panthers’ defensive line coach.

Which begs the question, what does the 2018 season hold for the Panthers? Can they finally get past the first round of the playoffs again? Will star quarterback Cam Newton improve his completion percentage under Turner? How will the defense play without outside linebacker Thomas Davis after he was suspended for the first four games due to a failed drug test?

I think great things are in store for the Panthers in 2018. They may not reach the Super Bowl and they certainly aren’t likely to start another season 15-0, but I still believe they will enjoy a successful campaign.

Here are five bold predictions for the Panthers for the 2018 NFL season.

Next Page: Bold Prediction No. 1