The Panthers were long shots to win the NFC South last season, and they're the third choice in 2026. Of the eight division winners, four had preseason odds longer than the Carolina Panthers at +425—Bears +475, Patriots, Steelers, and Seahawks all at +550. The Eagles won their division as favorites. Carolina knocked off the Packers and Rams in 2025, delivering two outright upsets as underdogs of 9-plus points; the rest of the NFL did that only once. A bottom‑10 point differential underscored a surprising but likely fluky season, hinting at a possible rise or regression.

Defense ascending, offense showing life. The two offseasons have seen big contracts for the defense—LBs Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd signed, while DT Tershawn Wharton and S Tre'von Moehrig joined last year—in hopes that Ejiro Evero’s unit finally moves the needle. Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson’s strong 2025 should set the ceiling for an ascending defense. In Year 2 for Tetairoa Mc Millan and Year 4 for Bryce Young, the offense should pop, but consistency from Young is key to playoff contention.

Best bet: Chuba Hubbard rushing yards UNDER 699.5 (-115). The drumbeat out of Panthers camp is RB Jonathon Brooks, a 2024 second‑round pick, finally healthy. Hubbard lost the primary job to Rico Dowdle last year; Brooks offers more big‑play potential, while Hubbard may be pigeonholed into a third‑down role.

Kevin Pulsifer and Ben Solak provide their analysis and insights.