Heading into the 2026 campaign, most NFL analysts are expecting a step backwards from the Carolina Panthers. That's understandable for several reasons, including a tougher schedule and a -69 scoring differential in 2025 that may indicate they weren't even as good as their 8-9 record.
Some folks are going the other way, though.
The Athletic writers have come out with predictions for each award this year, including one for the team that will be the "biggest surprise" this season. The New Orleans Saints finished first with 12 votes, followed by the Minnesota Vikings with five.
The Carolina Panthers came in third, tied with the New York Giants with four votes. Here's what they had to say about this particular race:
More than a third of the league's
teams received nods here, although only one team, the New Orleans Saints, got more than five votes. The nominees ranged from some of the worst teams in 2025 (the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants) to several playoff teams, including the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers.
We will reiterate at the top that we are not buying the hype of the Saints going from worst to first. Impressive as quarterback Tyler Shough looked for a rookie, this roster is still well below average compared to the rest of the league.
Their starting defense is almost exactly the same as last year, with the exceptions of defensive lineman Cameron Jordan now being a backup and linebacker Kaden Elliss returning. Meanwhile, the Saints offense still only has a few impressive playmakers in running back Travis Etienne and wide receiver Chris Olave—while Alvin Kamara and Jordyn Tyson will begin the year on the sidelines. If the Saints win more than seven games, it would come as a surprise.
As for the Panthers, they have a much higher ceiling based on their defensive upgrades—having signed ascending pass rusher Jaelan Phillips and Pro Bowl inside linebacker Devin Lloyd. Their potential will also rest on the shoulders of quarterback Bryce Young, who took a modest step forward in his development last year.
If he can start delivering results like we saw against Atlanta and Los Angeles on a regular basis, the defending NFC South champs are going to be very dangerous, indeed—and could take the entire league by surprise.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Writers say Panthers will be NFL's biggest surprise team of 2026
