NFL: Projecting final records for all 32 teams

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Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) yells out coverage during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers were extremely potent in 2013. The offense was much better than you probably realize, finishing 10th in DVOA behind an incredibly strong running game (hello, Cam Newton), and the defense was among the top-5 in the league by any statistical measure. However, it is tough to imagine a worse offseason for any team in the league, and that makes this a tough evaluation.

The Panthers lost their entire receiving corps in free agency, Cam Newton was banged up with multiple issues, the offensive line suffered losses and even the defensive backfield looks to be on the downswing. Can Carolina still compete? Sure, but they were unquestionably lucky in amassing a 12-4 record last season, and with everything breaking the wrong way from a personnel standpoint while the rest of the division improves, there is a disaster scenario in place for Ron Rivera’s team.

Cover your eyes.

The Pick: 5-11

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