Carolina Panthers 2025 Season Preview: Star Players, Key Matchups & Where to Watch
After a miserable 2023 campaign, where they seemed to be on the losing side of one of the worst trades in NFL history, 2024 appeared to be more of the same.
However, Bryce Young’s comeback, from being benched in the early going to being the only thing keeping them alive, rejuvenated the Panthers’ entire rebuild.
It’s a new day in Charlotte, with some fresh faces in the locker room and hope finally returning to the fanbase and the players. This is all amplified by the fact that Carolina is in one of the weakest divisions in football, which was there for the taking for most of 2024, and could see a similar trajectory in 2025.
📺 Top 5 Must-Watch Panthers Games in 2025
🏈 Week 1 (Sept 7) - @ Jacksonville
FOX: 1:00 PM ET
Important to set the tone here; the Panthers need to come out swinging. Both the AFC and NFC South are weaker divisions, and getting out to a strong start could be the difference in making the playoffs for both teams.
🏈 Week 8 (Oct 26) - vs Buffalo
FOX, 1:00 PM ET
Hosting one of the AFC favorites will never be an easy task for a rebuilding team like Carolina, but hopefully, near midseason, they’ll be more than ready to play some of their best football and test how far they’ve truly come.
🏈 Week 9 (Nov 2) - @ Green Bay
FOX: 1:00 PM ET
Just one week after facing the Bills, the Panthers have to travel up to Green Bay and try to grind out a result against a tough Packers team. They’re playoff tested, one of the NFC's finest; another big test for Carolina in midseason.
🏈 Week 12 (Nov 24) - @ San Francisco
ESPN: 8:15 PM ET
Another big away game here, this time on Monday Night against the 49ers, who will be out to prove that their 2024 struggles are behind them. Head coach Dave Canales is familiar with the NFC West and will be hoping to capitalize on his team’s time in the national spotlight.
🏈 Week 18 (TBD) - @ Tampa Bay
TBD
Their final game of the season comes away at the Bucs, who have won the last four straight NFC South titles. If things go their way, this could potentially be the game for Carolina to break that streak.
🌙 Panthers in Prime Time: When to Tune In
- Monday Night (MNF) Games: Week 12 @ San Francisco
While only having one primetime game scheduled for the entire season may sound a bit bleak, it’s better than the zero they were given in 2024. That speaks to the renewed, albeit cautious optimism surrounding the Panthers' late-season run of form to close out 2024. Carolina hasn’t won a nationally broadcast game since 2022 and endured a 3-year losing streak leading up to the 2021 season.
⭐️2025 Star Players to Watch
🔥 On OffenseBryce Young – Needs to prove end of 2024 wasn’t a fluke, front office is backing him now.Chuba Hubbard – One of the few reliable performers last season, will be crucial for the offense.
Tetairoa McMillan – The 8th overall pick, should become WR1 in Charlotte as the top prospect at his position.
🛡️ On DefenseJaycee Horn – Was healthy and formidable in 2024, considered one of the league’s elite.Derrick Brown – Missed 2024 through injury, but an elite DT when available for selection.
Ter’Shawn Wharton – Free agent acquisition who should improve Carolina’s pass rush.
How to Watch the Panthers in 2025
It varies game to game. For the best, most in-depth access, NFL Network offers the most complete coverage. Nationally broadcast games are available on major networks such as Fox, CBS, and NBC, with other offerings on Prime Video and Netflix as well.
💡 Pro Tip: For full schedule and TV listings, visit our Carolina Panthers Subpage.
🧠Final Thought: Can they challenge Tampa in the NFC South?
Consistency is the name of the game in Carolina. It was great to see them improve down the stretch in 2024, but if they are going to make something of this momentum, things will need to change. They’ll need to get off to a strong start and avoid the long losing streaks that have sunk them in recent seasons. One thing is abundantly clear: this year will be different.
📲 Don’t miss a moment — bookmark our Carolina Panthers Team Page to stay up-to-date all season long.
Written by: Venuse, Inc. (Sports Content Creator)
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