In the preseason, I initially had the Panthers projected to be the worst team in the NFL and picking first in the 2021 draft, but eventually moved them to 2nd worst behind Jacksonville. I had the Bengals picking at #3 in my mind.
It’s fair to say that the Panthers have far exceeded my expectations in compiling a 4-10 record. Together with the Texans and Falcons they comprise the trio that would pick 4th, 5th & 6th in the draft if the season ended today.
The season will not end today, and, while the Panthers have already been eliminated from playoff contention, they’ve had enough things go right for them this season that they could very well play spoiler for the Washington Football Team in its bid to win the NFC East championship and get to the playoffs for the third time in nine years.