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No. 1
Sept. 7, at San Diego
It's always important to get off to a strong start, but opening the season with one of the top teams in the NFL makes this especially challenging. If the Chargers were in the NFC, they might be a Super Bowl favorite. As it is, they're behind New England and Indianapolis in most AFC rankings. The Panthers not having the suspended Steve Smith might be neutralized if San Diego linebacker Shawne Merriman (knee) doesn't play.
No. 2
Sept. 28, Atlanta
The Panthers play their first NFC South game against the Falcons, a team still reeling from the Michael Vick controversy. Atlanta has a rookie – Matt Ryan – at quarterback and is a consensus pick to finish at the bottom of the division standings. Winning that first division game is always key, too. This game also begins a stretch of four-of-five at home heading into the bye week Nov.2, so the Panthers should be really be thinking about stockpiling some victories here.
No. 3
Nov. 9, at Oakland
The Raiders game begins a stretch of three-of-four on the road. The Panthers should be rested and healthy after their bye and have winnable games against Detroit (home), at Atlanta and at Green Bay following Oakland.
No. 4
Dec. 8, Tampa Bay:
The Panthers play their final divisional home game against the NFC South's defending champion. There might be more animosity in this rivalry than any the Panthers have.
No. 5
Dec. 21, at Giants:
With one game left after this, the Panthers don't want to have to be worrying about playoff positioning with a game against the defending Super Bowl champion – on the road.
