REALITY: Just How Difficult Is the Carolina Panthers 2026 Schedule—Can They OVERCOME It?

The Carolina Panthers face one of the NFL’s toughest 2026 schedules—can Bryce Young and the revamped roster defy Vegas odds? Julian Council explains why the Panthers’ strength-of-schedule metrics may be flawed, contrasting last season’s surprising playoff run with projections based on outdated stats and highlighting how offseason acquisitions such as Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd could tip the balance. Key topics include Carolina’s divisional rematches with the Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers; marquee home clashes against contenders such as the Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals; and the role player development will play in a season loaded with regression candidates, including the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos. Will the Panthers stay at .500—or is another playoff berth within reach? Tune in for sharp analysis of Carolina’s toughest matchups, depth-chart concerns, and the pivotal factor: Bryce Young’s trajectory. Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Square If you’re starting a business, or running one that deserves better tools, Square helps you sell, manage, and grow without slowing down. Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at https://square.com/go/LockedOnNFL. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.