Pre-Draft Predictions

Once again, the Carolina Panthers are being counted out before the season begins.

The beat writer for the team on ESPN.com had this to say about the team (if you want to see how other ESPN writers predicted other teams would do, here is a link: http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/124472/nfl-nation-how-will-your-team-finish):

The Panthers never have had consecutive winning seasons and there hasn't been a repeat champion in the NFC South since the division was formed in 2002. There's no reason to believe that will change for a Carolina team that has to rebuild its offensive line, receiving corps and secondary. -- David Newton

Call me a "Homer" but I'm a little more optimistic about the team. Yes, they have lost some of their offensive line, receivers, and secondary players. However, I think through the moves they've made in free agency and the draft picks they make, the Panthers will be better than a lot of people are expecting them to be.

With that being said, it's time for my pre-draft predictions for each game this season.

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 7, @ Tampa Bay Bucanneers, 4:25 P.M., EST, FOX - The Panthers open up the season against the division rival Bucs, who had a poor season last year to say the least. But, things are different now. Lovie Smith is sure to turn Tampa Bay around, and the Bucs have the 7th overall pick in the upcoming draft. However, it'll take some time for Tampa to get the ball rolling, and Carolina will take advantage of that.

Prediction: Panthers win, 23-13.

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 14, vs. Detroit Lions, 1:00 P.M., EST, FOX - A very interesting matchup for the Panthers' home opener. Detroit now has Golden Tate to compliment Calvin Johnson in the passing game, which should prove difficult for the Panthers' secondary. However, it's tough to throw when you're running for your life, which I think Matthew Stafford will be doing for the majority of this game. If the Panthers' front seven can get after him, expect a Carolina victory.

Prediction: Panthers win, 27-21.

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 21, vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:30 P.M., EST, NBC - The first of three primetime games for the Panthers this season comes at home against the aging Steelers. They also play one another in the preseason, which should give each team a little preview of what is to come from the other when they meet in this one. However, I think Carolina will match up well against Pittsburgh and come out with an easy victory.

Prediction: Panthers win, 21-7.

Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 28, @ Baltimore Ravens, 1:00 P.M., EST, CBS - This is a game many NFL fans are looking forward to. Ravens' wide receiver Steve Smith will face his former team for the first time since being released back in March. He promised there would "be blood and guts everywhere" when the teams met. This game could come down to the wire, but in the end, I think Carolina will pull out a victory

Prediction: Panthers win, 17-14.

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 5, vs. Chicago Bears, 1:00 P.M., EST, FOX - Carolina returns home to face the Chicago Bears, who have a favorable matchup against the Panthers' weak secondary. Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, two of the league's top wide receivers, will have a good day against this defense. The difference between Chicago and Detroit is that the Bears' defense can certainly hold their own, which is why I think the Panthers lose their first game against Chicago.

Prediction: Panthers lose, 28-14.

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 12, @ Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 P.M., EST, FOX - If the Panthers were playing the Bengals at home, I think they could win this game. However, they'll have to travel to Ohio to face them. The Bengals and Panthers are a lot alike: two young teams on the rise who have great talent and an intimidating defense. Both won their division last year but lost in their first playoff game. I have to give the edge to Cincinnati. I think playing at home will be the deciding factor in this one.

Prediction: Panthers lose, 10-17.

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 19, @ Green Bay Packers, 1:00 P.M., EST, FOX - I'm very excited for this game. Whenever these two teams play, it seems to come down to the final possession. They last played in 2011, and the Packers won that game 30-23. I think Aaron Rodgers will take his offense down the field and score the game-winning touchdown with a minute to go.

Prediction: Panthers lose, 24-28.

Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 26, vs. Seattle Seahawks, 1:00 P.M., EST, CBS - The Panthers return home from a tough two-game road trip to face the defending Super Bowl champions. I think the former two games will have worn down the Panthers enough to give the Seahawks the edge. Plus, let's be honest: Seattle is the most talented team in the NFL.

Prediction: Panthers lose, 13-27.

Week 9: Thursday, Oct. 30, vs. New Orleans Saints, 8:25 P.M., EST, NFL NETWORK - The Panthers, now on a four-game losing streak, are hungry for a win. At home against a division rival will make for a tough game that I think Carolina will win. I don't count the short week against them because New Orleans will also have a short week. The fact Carolina is at home gives them the edge. This is also their second primetime game.

Prediction: Panthers win, 28-21.

Week 10: Monday, Nov. 10, @ Philadelphia Eagles, 8:30 P.M., EST, ESPN - The Panthers final primetime game will be in Philly. Another interesting matchup as it features two young teams. The Panthers' stout defense will have to slow down the Eagles' fast offense if they hope to pull out a win here. I think the defense will prevail in this game and Carolina earns the W.

Prediction: Panthers win, 24-17.

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 16, vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 P.M., EST, FOX - Carolina returns home to face their division rivals who are coming off a very disappointing year. I certainly think Atlanta will rebound this season, but this game is Carolina's for the taking. Being at home gives them the edge they need to edge out the Falcons.

Prediction: Panthers win, 20-14.

Week 12: BYE WEEK

Week 13: Sunday, Nov. 30, @ Minnesota Vikings, 1:00 P.M., EST, FOX - After a grueling eleven-game stretch, the Panthers will come out strong after their bye week and face the Vikings, who many (including myself) don't expect much out of. The Panthers will easily win this game, just like they did last season against Minnesota.

Prediction: Panthers win, 30-14.

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 7, @ New Orleans Saints, 1:00 P.M., EST, FOX - The Panthers will have to head to the Superdome to face their division rivals, who are close to unbeatable there. I don't think the Panthers will be able to win this one, but it'll be a hard-fought game.

Prediction: Panthers lose, 21-27.

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 14, vs. Tampa Bay Bucanneers, 1:00 P.M., EST, FOX - Returning to Charlotte stinging from the loss, Carolina will look to take out some frustration on their division rivals. The Panthers will bully the Bucs right from the start in this one and take the W easily.

Prediction: Panthers win, 35-17.

Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 21, vs. Cleveland Browns, 1:00 P.M., EST, CBS - What's there to say about this one? It's the Browns. Although they'll improve from last season, Cleveland is no match for Carolina, who easily win this one.

Prediction: Panthers win, 31-10.

Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 28, @ Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 P.M., EST, FOX - The Panthers close the season with a trip to Atlanta to face their division rivals. The Panthers will probably need a win in order to secure a playoff spot, so they'll be playing their hardest. Will it be enough? I say... yes. Carolina wins a close one.

Predictions: Panthers win, 24-21.

There you have it, my pre-draft predictions. I have the Panthers going 11-5, which should be enough for at least a wild card spot in the playoffs.