Panthers have one of NFL's three toughest schedules in 2026

The Carolina Panthers are undeniably on the rise. Their win total has jumped from two to five to eight over the last three seasons, and they just managed to win their first division title since 2015.

However, thanks in large part to that NFC South crown, the Panthers will be facing a pretty difficult road in 2026.

The traditional strength-of-schedule projections can be misleading—as a much better way to evaluate a team's slate is to consider the win totals from the professional oddsmakers in Vegas. That's where Warren Sharp got his SOS numbers, which show that Carolina has the third-hardest schedule this upcoming season:

Despite their progress, Vegas has the Panthers winning just 6.5 games this year. By Sharp's projections only the Miami Dolphins (4.5) and the Arizona Cardinals (4.5) will face a more difficult slate of opponents in 2026.

The schedule itself may not drop until later this month, but we do know Carolina will be facing the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles on the road—as well as the Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens and the reigning Super Bowl champion at home.