Panthers’ 2023 opponents determined: Breaking down home and away matchups

The Carolina Panthers’ 2023 opponents have been determined.

Following the completion of the 2022 season, the Panthers now know who they will face next year. With Carolina finishing second in the NFC South this season, it will face the second-place teams from the NFC East, NFC West and AFC East next season.

Below are the Panthers’ opponents for 2023:

Note: The official NFL schedule with time and dates will be released later this offseason.

NFC South (home/away)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)

2022 Record vs. Panthers: 1-1

All-Time Record vs. Panthers: 20-25

This rivalry featured one of interim coach Steve Wilks’ biggest triumphs and one of his biggest pitfalls this season. Although Wilks might not be retained by the Panthers, Tom Brady might not last much longer in Tampa Bay, either. This rivalry has always been heated no matter who is leading the charge for either team.

New Orleans Saints (7-10)

2022 Record vs. Panthers: 0-2

All-Time Record vs. Panthers: 29-28

The Panthers were able to sweep the Saints with a pair of close wins that came down to the wire. The season finale had some extra spice, as Carolina fought through a handful of notable injuries and a slumping passing game to defeat the Saints with a last-second field goal. This rivalry is fun, no matter who is in charge.

Atlanta Falcons (7-10)

2022 Record vs. Panthers: 1-1

All-Time Record vs. Panthers: 35-21

The Panthers and Falcons always battle each closely in this annual two-game rivalry. This past season, the Panthers overcame a heartbreaking overtime loss in Atlanta to rebound in a dominant home win against the Falcons on “Thursday Night Football” just two weeks later.

Rest of home slate

Green Bay Packers (8-9)

2022 Record vs. Panthers: N/A

All-Time Record vs. Panthers: 11-6

This matchup is sure to bring a lot of Packers fans to Bank of America Stadium. Still, the intrigue of the matchup weighs heavily on the future of MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Minnesota Vikings (13-4)

2022 Record vs. Panthers: N/A

All-Time Record vs. Panthers: 10-6

The Vikings have had a phenomenal season under first-year head coach Kevin O’Connell. With weapons galore on offense, Minnesota should be a tough opponent and big road draw for the foreseeable future.

Houston Texans (3-13-1)

2022 Record vs. Panthers: N/A

All-Time Record vs. Panthers: 2-4

The Texans finished the season with the second-worst record in the NFL. With the second overall pick, they are destined to select a potential franchise quarterback. If the game takes place later in the season, a No. 2 overall pick could bring some buzz to the battle.

Indianapolis Colts (4-12-1)

2022 Record vs. Panthers: N/A

All-Time Record vs. Panthers: 2-5

Like the Texans, the Colts are in search of a new franchise quarterback with a top-five pick. They’ll also be looking for a new head coach to run the team. There’s plenty of uncertainty for Indianapolis heading into 2023.

Dallas Cowboys (12-5)

2022 Record vs. Panthers: N/A

All-Time Record vs. Panthers: 10-5

The Cowboys have put together an impressive campaign, despite finishing second in the division to the Philadelphia Eagles (14-3). With Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott and CeeDee Lamb leading a group of exceptional playmakers, Dallas has the ability to explode offensively against anyone. This game should be invaded by plenty of Cowboys fans, too.

Rest of road slate

Chicago Bears (3-14)

2022 Record vs. Panthers: N/A

All-Time Record vs. Panthers: 7-4

The Bears will own the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. With Justin Fields developing into a solid dual-threat quarterback, the Bears can’t be overlooked, especially with a free-agency spending spree on the horizon.

Detroit Lions (9-8)

2022 Record vs. Panthers: 0-1

All-Time Record vs. Panthers: 3-8

The Panthers set franchise single-season records for rushing yards (320) and total yards (570) against the Lions at home in Week 16. Now, the Lions will look to get their revenge at home in 2023.

Jacksonville Jaguars (9-8)

2022 Record vs. Panthers: N/A

All-Time Record vs. Panthers: 3-4

The Jaguars have an arrow pointing upward with the development of quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the leadership of head coach Doug Pederson. The battle of these former expansion teams should be fun to watch. Jacksonville will be the reigning AFC South champion when it hosts the Panthers.

Tennessee Titans (7-10)

2022 Record vs. Panthers: N/A

All-Time Record vs. Panthers: 3-3

The Titans and Panthers have traded shots through the years. A tiebreaker for the annual series is coming in 2023. It’ll be interesting to see who the Titans line up at quarterback.

Seattle Seahawks (9-8)

2022 Record vs. Panthers: 0-1

All-Time Record vs. Panthers: 10-5

The Panthers defeated the Seahawks in a must-win road game in November. While Geno Smith was on a roll heading into the matchup, D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard controlled the clock and broke free in a special performance for the ground game. The rematch in the Pacific Northwest should be another fun outing for traveling fans.

Miami Dolphins (9-8)

2022 Record vs. Panthers: N/A

All-Time Record vs. Panthers: 5-2

The Dolphins got off to an excellent start to begin the Mike McDaniel era in Miami. However, a string of injuries — including two trips to concussion protocol for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa — forced Miami to scratch and claw to the playoffs down the home stretch. In Year 2, McDaniel should have better luck with injuries and game plans.