Why will this team win more than 8 games?

[gtanaka]

Well we have a very real chance of sweeping our division, which would be the first time ever and also the first three peat champion (pretty sweet). But say we 4-2 out of our division, as long as we beat the jaguars, texans, titans, redskins, and giants - even if we lose to ALL the top tier teams - we're already 9-7. 

[Sean Payton's Vicodin]

what makes you so sure that our offense is going to suck this season?

all pro :)

[UNCrules2187]

Because during the last 6 games of the season (4 regular season, 2 playoff games), we played like a 12-13 win team based on Pythagorean expectation: http://www.pro-football-reference.com/blog/?p=337

 

Panthers last 6 contests

PF: 155

PA: 90

 

Plug those numbers into the formula, and you get 12.5 expected wins based on our finish to the season.

 

Additionally, the schedule sets up well. We start with the Jags, a Foster-less Texans team, the Saints at home, and @ TB. We should, at worst, be 3-1 through that stretch. Weeks 6-10 are hell, but as long as we can pull out 1 win, the rest of the schedule isn't so tough that we can't go 5-3 or 6-2. That would put us at 9-10 wins.

 

I honestly think 9 wins is the floor for this team.

[bigjohn]

1. Healthy Cam.

2.  Improved O-line consistency.

3.  Left tackle upgrade.

4.  Improved special teams (especially return game and coach).

5.  Better WR crew.

6.  Healthy J-Stew.

7.  Peanut.

8.  Our division is weak.

9.  Depth at most positions.

10.  Pie