The Panthers Will Start the Season 3-1

Since their inaugural season in 1995, the Panthers have won at least three of their first four games just six times. They started 3-1 in 1996, 2002, 2008 and 2017, and were 4-0 in 2003 and 2015 (appearing in the Super Bowl both times).

One thing working in Carolina’s favor is the fact that three of its first four games will be played at Bank of America Stadium. Those home games will come against the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals and New York Giants in Weeks 1, 3 and 5, respectively, with a road contest against the Atlanta Falcons scheduled for Week 2.

Under head coach Ron Rivera, the Panthers are just 13-15 in the season’s first four games, starting 1-3 in four of his seven years at the helm. By comparison, they are 51-32-1 in all other regular season games.

I don’t expect the Panthers to lose at home in Week 1 and I can’t see them losing to the Bengals either, but a road loss to the Falcons is very possible and don’t be surprised if the Giants give them a tough battle as well, especially coming off a bye in Week 4. Any way you slice it, I see Carolina entering its fifth game of the season with a 3-1 record.

If the Panthers indeed win three of their first four contests, their chances of making the playoffs increase dramatically. They have reached the postseason five of the previous six times they started at least 3-1, winning at least one playoff game on four occasions.

It’s also important to note that Thomas Davis will return from his four-game suspension in Week 6. Thus, the Panthers will get even better after starting 3-1.

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