Panthers 2025 NFL Schedule Released for Bryce Young, Tetairoa McMillan's 1st Year

After showing some signs of progress toward the end of the 2024 season, the Carolina Panthers are entering 2025 with renewed hope for a successful campaign.

Despite finishing with a 5-12 record for their seventh straight losing season, the Panthers won two of their last three games and averaged 31.3 points over that span. 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young started clicking toward the end of the year, and the team rewarded him with a new No. 1 receiver by selecting Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 8 pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

While the playoffs are likely out of the question for Carolina, the 2025 season should present an opportunity for some positivity as the team navigates the schedule.

Analysis

Finishing near the bottom of the NFC does have its benefits, as the Panthers' 2025 opponents combined for a winning percentage of just .457 last season.

The New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars all joined Carolina in winning five or fewer games in 2024, presenting a favorable lineup for Young and company as they try to emerge from the depths of the NFL.

The San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys are also coming off down years after finishing 6-11 and 7-10, respectively. While they will welcome the Cowboys to Bank of America Stadium, the matchup against the 49ers will be one of two West Coast trips for the Panthers, as they will also visit the Arizona Cardinals. A road matchup against the Green Bay Packers could also be a tough trip for Carolina.

The home slate doesn't do many favors for the Panthers, as they will host a trio of division winners, including the NFC West champion Los Angeles Rams, the AFC East champion Buffalo Bills and, of course, the NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Pivotal Matchups

It's not always easy to define the goals of a rebuilding team, but the Panthers should be focused on beating the teams that are also in the throes of the rebuilding process.

The aforementioned Saints, Cowboys, Jets, Patriots and Jaguars all welcomed new head coaches this offseason. With each of those teams trying to find their footing under a new regime, second-year head coach Dave Canales should help give Carolina an advantage over them.

Earning at least one win over each NFC South rival would also go a long way toward making the 2025 season a successful one for the Panthers.

The Buccaneers have reigned over the division for the past four years and won both of their matchups against Carolina last season. However, the Panthers managed to earn one win apiece against the Saints and Atlanta Falcons, both of whom had defeated them earlier in the year.

If Carolina can string together some wins against lowly teams and show signs of fight against elite opponents, it would certainly fuel optimism among fans who are hoping that Young and the rest of the players are moving in the right direction.