The Carolina Panthers didn't have to lift a finger to gain sole possession of the NFC South in Week 5. As they sat back on their bye, an overtime loss from the Atlanta Falcons gave the reigning division champs a half-game lead for first place.
But if they want to stay there, it's not going to be as easy as that.
According to Gridiron State and Info, the Panthers—based off EPA per play—have the toughest remaining schedule of opposing defenses . . .
The Panthers have the toughest remaining schedule of opposing defenses, based on this season so far.
— Gridiron Stats and Info (@GridironInfo_) October 14, 2026
The Jaguars have the easiest. pic.twitter.com/ttmCXMPvot
Their remaining 13-game stretch features seven opposing defenses that rank in the top half of the EPA-per-play category. That run includes the Minnesota
Vikings (first), Seattle Seahawks (second), Green Bay Packers (eighth), Denver Broncos (11th), Atlanta Falcons (12th), Baltimore Ravens (13th) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (fourth)—who they still have to play twice.
Luckily for the Panthers, they seem to have equipped themselves with an offense that can combat these formidable units. Going into Week 6, Carolina ranks third in total yards per game (405.8), second in passing yards per game (301.3) and fourth in points per game (30.3).
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers' remaining 2026 schedule is NFL's most difficult when it comes to this stat
