For the first time in a decade, the Carolina Panthers are aiming to hold onto their NFC South crown. While the full 2026 regular-season schedule drops Thursday night, we already know the opponents—just not the exact dates or kickoff times. As defending division champs, the Panthers will face a first-place slate, which means a tougher lineup than usual.

Here’s a breakdown of who’s on the docket:

Home games: Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks

Away games: Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

That’s a mix of familiar divisional rivals and some heavy hitters from across the league. The Panthers will need to bring their A-game, especially against playoff-caliber teams like the Ravens, Lions, and Eagles.

With the official schedule reveal just days away, leaks and rumors are already starting to trickle in. Could we see a prime-time showdown with the Bengals? Or a cold-weather clash in Green Bay? Stay tuned as we track every update leading up to Thursday night.

For the latest Panthers news and schedule rumors, keep this page bookmarked. The countdown to kickoff is officially on!