The Sporting News Has High Hopes For New-Look Carolina Panthers
The NFL regular season kicks off on Thursday night (9/7) so this is the week for the sports media to weigh in with their predictions. Although the Carolina Panthers have undergone a major rebuild with a new head coach, new starting quarterback, and many other new personnel, they may benefit from the other teams in the NFC South being in similar situations. The Panthers open their season at Atlanta on Sunday (9/10) at 1:00 pm.
NFL writer Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News believes the Panthers can actually win their division. He writes, “The Panthers may already have the best new starting QB in the division with Bryce Young having better pedigree at this point than Derek Carr (Saints), Desmond Ridder (Falcons) and Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers). He also might get the best overall support from versatile skill players and defense.”
How Will The Carolina Panthers Finish This Season?
Here are the teams The Sporting News sees winning their respective divisions this season:
- AFC East – New York Jets (13-4)
- AFC North – Cincinnati Bengals (13-4)
- AFC South – Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4)
- AFC West – Kansas City Chiefs (15-2)
- NFC East – Philadelphia Eagles (13-4)
- NFC North – Detroit Lions (11-6)
- NFC South – Carolina Panthers (9-8)
- NFC West – San Francisco 49ers (14-3)
The Sporting News does not expect the Panthers to go far in the playoffs, but just finishing the season with a winning record would be a remarkable accomplishment. They haven’t done that since 2017. It would also go a long way to removing the sour taste left behind by the Matt Rhule regime.
Who Will Win Super Bowl LVIII?
Let’s look at the playoffs. In the NFC, Vinnie Iyer predicts Wild Card playoff spots will go to the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, and Seattle Seahawks. The Divisional Round will see the Eagles beat the Cowboys and the 49ers beat the Lions. The 49ers will then beat the Eagles for a spot in the Super Bowl.
In the AFC, Iyer sees Wild Card playoff spots going to the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and Pittsburgh Steelers. The Divisional Round will see the Chiefs beat the Bengals and the Jets beat Jacksonville. The Jets will then beat the Chiefs and go to their first Super Bowl since 1969.
According to The Sporting News, the New York Jets, now led by former Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, will take down the San Francisco 49ers to become Super Bowl LVIII champions. But if the Carolina Panthers can even make it into the playoffs this season, even with all of the questions surrounding the team, that has to bode well for the future.
SN's @vinnieiyer projects the final standings, playoff teams and more before the NFL season kicks off, including our pick to win Super Bowl 58 👀https://t.co/eqXXZuPr4a pic.twitter.com/7SyqfaxXH0
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) September 5, 2023
7 Hilarious Football Fan Superstitions Shared by Redditors
Jersey Power
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For some fans, the belief in “jersey power” is real, relying on their chosen jersey to bring their team to victory. A Reddit user revealed, “I change jerseys every game. Never wear the same one twice in a row.” They mentioned that during one season, the Jaguars secured a 3-1 record when following this practice, but experienced a 0-12 record when they didn’t.
Fiery Ritual
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Some fans unquestionably take their rituals to the extreme. During Vince Young’s playing days, a Redditor mentioned that they used to perform a rather unconventional practice of burning a photo of the player. They would attach a picture of his face to a Barbie doll and place it on the grill as part of their ritual.
Sound of Silence
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This particular approach might come across as a bit harsh, yet it seems to show results for this person. Apparently, ignoring their wife and kid during the game is their strategy. “I know it’s weird and the results haven’t been great, but I’m not going to risk it,” they wrote. Priorities, dude!
Quantum Football Mechanics
Some say that dissecting your superstitions like a science can work wonders. A Reddit user shared their approach, saying that if, for some reason, they tune into the game late and the Ravens are in the lead, they turn the game off. “Watching will only swing the game in the opposite direction. It’s like the Heisenberg Principle of quantum football mechanics. Intense observation will only change the outcome,” they humorously explained. That’s dedication!
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Designated Sweet Spot
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Having a lucky seat or a designated sweet spot to park yourself during every football game is a ritual many fans swear by. According to one person, during game days, they make a point to occupy the exact same barstool. They mentioned, “Everyone has assigned seats at the bar.”
Goodbye Hygiene
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Some hardcore football fans throw hygiene to the wind. A Reddit user opened up about their peculiar belief. If they don’t shower right before the game, they’re convinced the Eagles will end up on the losing side. They added, “Sometimes if we had a crappy first half, I’ll take another shower, for a fresh start.”
Habitual Counting
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Luck can take some interesting forms, like the practice of counting things a specific number of times. A person mentioned that on game days, they apply three strokes of deodorant per armpit in support of Russell Wilson. Some people are all about the idea that stuff tends to go down in threes.
