Predicting the Panthers’ 2022 schedule: How many prime-time games for Carolina?
If you are looking for the official 2022 NFL schedule — this isn’t it. The Observer will have instant analysis of the Panthers’ schedule after it’s announced on Thursday.
Until then, It will be fun to predict when Carolina will face their 2022 opponents.
The easy answer is, “at 1 p.m.”
Last season the Panthers played one prime-time game — a Thursday night in Week 3, a 24-9 victory over the Houston Texans.
That victory marked a third straight win for coach Matt Rhule and the Panthers. Sam Darnold notched a second-consecutive 300-yard game and the defense allowed only 30 points through three games.
But the good times did not last. Christian McCaffrey was hurt in that game. After that, he played in four games dealing with a hamstring and ankle injury.
Carolina lost 12 of its next 14 games and did not play another prime-time game. NBC had no interest in flexing Darnold or Cam Newton into Sunday night.
Fans at Bank of America Stadium haven’t seen a home victory since Sept. 19.
But 2022 is a new season. Before the schedule drops on Thursday, here is a look at where I think Panthers games could land in 2022.
More than one prime-time game?
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Over the past five seasons, the Panthers have played in eight prime-time games. Carolina hasn’t had a “Monday Night Football” game since 2018, a 12-9 loss to New Orleans at Bank of America Stadium.
Five of their last eight prime-time contests are “Thursday Night Football” games. Usually, Thursday night games don’t come with the marquee of Sunday or Monday night.
Which is why this season, the Panthers finally deserve to return to Monday night.
vs. Browns (Monday night)
Though talks have stalled and it seems unlikely, there is still a chance Browns disgruntled quarterback Baker Mayfield ends up in Carolina. If that happens then the NFL would be silly not to put Mayfield’s first game against his former team in a prime-time slot.
Mayfield would not be the only former Browns player looking for some prime-time revenge. New Panthers receiver Rashard Higgins played the past six seasons in Cleveland. Guard Austin Corbett was drafted by the Browns at No. 33 in 2018 and played 1 1/2 seasons there.
Plus, it could be Deshaun Watson’s first game against one of the three NFC South teams he turned down this offseason.
vs. 49ers (Monday night)
This game seems far less likely to happen but has similar prime-time appeal as Browns-Panthers if Jimmy Garoppolo ends up in Carolina.
at Bucs (Sunday night)
The Bucs are going to have a lot of prime-time games again this season. Last year they were under the lights five times. Only the Chiefs (six) played more prime-time games.
This game seems unlikely as well, but if Carolina is going to get a prime-time game against a divisional rival, it’ll come at Tampa Bay.
Thanksgiving special
vs. Detroit (Thursday night)
I’m sort of trolling the NFL with this pick. Two teams that picked in the top six of the draft are perfect for an early Thanksgiving game.
Plus left tackle Ikem Ekwonu would go one-on-one with No. 2 pick Aidan Hutchinson. Like last year’s Thursday night game, I think this one would happen in September. Rookie Matt Corral will not be starting yet.
Thursday Night lights
There is no rhyme or reason to how the league selects Thursday Night games. These games tend to leave more to be desired and are difficult to explain at first glance.
vs. Steelers
Kenny Pickett takes on the coach who originally recruited him and the owner who shares his alma mater. Corral could be starting by the time this game occurs.
Considering how Pickett was the only first- or second-round quarterback selected, this game may be one of the few opportunities the NFL has to have two rookie quarterbacks face off.
Late afternoon marquees
Last season Carolina traveled to Arizona for a late kickoff and won. It was Cam Newton’s “I’m back” game. The NFL should try to duplicate that same energy minus Newton.
vs. Cardinals
A late start for a West Coast team traveling east is the trend for these late afternoon games.
Neither Kyler Murray nor DeAndre Hopkins played against the Panthers last season. Hopkins could miss the game again depending on when this game lands. He was recently suspended for the first six games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy.
Carolina has the cornerback depth to handle Hopkins but would benefit from playing Arizona while he is suspended.
vs. Broncos
Russell Wilson comes to Carolina for a late game. Panthers fans should hope this game happens in September. It’ll take some time for Wilson to fully grasp his new offense.
With some much familiarity returning to the Panthers’ defense, they should have an advantage if this game is played before Halloween.
at Seattle
It’s a long trip to the Pacific Northwest but luckily for Carolina, there is not much to fear up there. This is one of the few games the Panthers should be favored in.
vs. Rams
Facing the defending Super Bowl champions could also be a prime-time game as well. But like the Bucs, Los Angeles will have plenty of Sunday and Monday night games.
A 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff makes a lot of sense for this game.
Early games
vs. Atlanta, vs. New Orleans, and vs. Bucs, at Saints
As usual, the majority of games against the NFC South will have standard 1 p.m. ET starts.
at Baltimore
This game will be electric. There is not a more fun player to watch than Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. This game will come down to how defensive coordinator Phil Snow schemes ways to defend against Jackson and Baltimore’s rushing attack.
at Bengals
The Panthers must have their secondary ready for Joe Burrow, Jamar Chase and Tee Higgins. This would be a fun game to have in prime time but that seems unlikely.
at Giants
Losing consecutive early games to the Giants should be unacceptable for Rhule, who lost to New York 26-3 last season at home.
