For your own well being, never play against the Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers aren’t a very good workforce. They’re one in every of the worst groups in the NFL in truth. They’re trotting out a former XFL quarterback as their starter. They misplaced Christian McCaffrey and Robbie Anderson. They don’t make the most of DJ Moore. They’re one in every of solely two groups to have undergone a head teaching change this yr. They’re close to the backside of the league in complete offense, complete protection, and passer score. Yet, someway, taking part in them in 2022 is dangerous information for your future.

See, this season, each workforce to have performed the Carolina Panthers has misplaced the following week. In Week 1, the Baker Mayfield revenge sport was thwarted by the Cleveland Browns and Jacoby Brissett. The Browns wound up shedding to Joe Flacco and the New York Jets in Week 2. The loss was devastating as Cleveland led by two scores with a minute and a half to go in the sport. In Week 2, the New York Giants beat the Panthers 19-16. In Week 3, they misplaced their dwelling opener to the Dallas Cowboys. In Week 4, the Saints misplaced to Minnesota. The Cardinals misplaced to Philadelphia the following week. The 49ers ought to’ve had a simple win against Atlanta in Week 6. Marcus Mariota had one in every of the finest video games of his profession as they trounced San Fran, 28-14. You’d suppose the Rams could be protected as a result of they performed Carolina in Week 6 and had a bye Week 7, however the second Los Angeles returned to the subject, even with a well-rested squad, they couldn’t keep away from the curse. The 49ers demolished them.

Opponents are 0-9 this season in video games instantly following a matchup with the Panthers. In Week 11, there are two groups on the chopping block: the Falcons and the Bengals. The Bengals performed Carolina two weeks in the past, however their bye was Week 10. The Falcons play Chicago and the Bengals play in Pittsburgh.

Chicago-Atlanta is a sport that might go both manner. Sure, Justin Fields has been crimson sizzling, however the Falcons appear to be a workforce that simply doesn’t go away. They battle and scrap and so long as Marcus Mariota performs decently, Atlanta stays shut and typically pulls out wins they’re not alleged to. On the different facet, the Bengals completely shouldn’t lose to Pittsburgh. Tennessee Titans’ working again Derrick Henry has as many passing touchdowns as Steelers’ quarterback Kenny Pickett. The Bengals are well-rested and though they’re taking part in on the highway, the Bengals are objectively a a lot better workforce. That mentioned, Pittsburgh has overwhelmed Cincinnati as soon as already this yr, due to 4 interceptions from Joe Burrow. That’s the solely sport that Burrow has ever thrown 4 interceptions in. You can’t count on that very same type of success by way of turnovers should you’re the Steelers, and contemplating that Cincinnati nonetheless took Pittsburgh to additional time in that sport is indicative of how a lot the Steelers want bounces to go their manner with a purpose to come away with a victory.

So, if the curse is true and there’s in truth some voodoo girl in Raleigh with a factor for instant retribution for standing up against her Panthers, which groups profit the most and least? Well, clearly, any workforce that performs a really robust workforce after the Panthers could be grateful the curse is wasted on a sport they in all probability would’ve misplaced regardless. The Denver Broncos play in Baltimore Week 13 after taking part in Carolina in Week 12. The Seahawks play the Panthers in Week 14 after which get their second matchup against San Francisco. The 49ers already received their first matchup, so Seattle in all probability isn’t too thrilled about going into the sport that might decide the division winner with an additional handicap. So, with that mentioned, I feel the 49ers are the largest beneficiaries, even when they already suffered the curse earlier this yr.

I feel the workforce that must be the most upset although are the Detroit Lions. Yeah, they’re not nice, however they’ve received two straight divisional video games. Even if they will’t attain the playoffs, Lions’ followers would love the alternative to experience the proven fact that they swept each the Bears and Packers in the identical season. Well, guess who the Lions play instantly after dealing with Carolina in Week 16. That’s proper, the Chicago Bears. Thankfully, this sport can be in Detroit, but when the curse is certainly actual, then it received’t matter. Detroit will lose that sport after which go into Week 18 with none momentum for his or her ultimate sport of the season against… you guessed it! The Green Bay Packers. That’s robust sledding.

Thankfully, this curse shouldn’t have any impact on the playoffs. The Panthers play the Saints in the ultimate weeks of the season, and barring any miraculous turnaround, the Saints received’t be collaborating in that mid-January rumble. They’re final in the NFC South and nonetheless must face the 49ers, Bucs, Deshaun Watson-led Browns, and Eagles, all of which can be on the highway. If by some miracle the Saints do make it to the postseason although, be prepared for disappointment in the Bayou. It received’t be a Cinderella story for lengthy.