For your personal well being, by no means play towards the Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers aren’t a great crew. They’re one of many worst groups within the NFL in truth. They’re trotting out a former XFL quarterback as their starter. They misplaced Christian McCaffrey and Robbie Anderson. They don’t make the most of DJ Moore. They’re one in every of solely two groups to have undergone a head teaching change this yr. They’re close to the underside of the league in complete offense, complete protection, and passer ranking. Yet, by some means, taking part in them in 2022 is unhealthy information to your future.

See, this season, each crew to have performed the Carolina Panthers has misplaced the next week. In Week 1, the Baker Mayfield revenge sport was thwarted by the Cleveland Browns and Jacoby Brissett. The Browns wound up dropping to Joe Flacco and the New York Jets in Week 2. The loss was devastating as Cleveland led by two scores with a minute and a half to go within the sport. In Week 2, the New York Giants beat the Panthers 19-16. In Week 3, they misplaced their house opener to the Dallas Cowboys. In Week 4, the Saints misplaced to Minnesota. The Cardinals misplaced to Philadelphia the next week. The 49ers ought to’ve had a straightforward win towards Atlanta in Week 6. Marcus Mariota had among the finest video games of his profession as they trounced San Fran, 28-14. You’d suppose the Rams could be secure as a result of they performed Carolina in Week 6 and had a bye Week 7, however the second Los Angeles returned to the sector, even with a well-rested squad, they couldn’t keep away from the curse. The 49ers demolished them.

Opponents are 0-9 this season in video games instantly following a matchup with the Panthers. In Week 11, there are two groups on the chopping block: the Falcons and the Bengals. The Bengals performed Carolina two weeks in the past, however their bye was Week 10. The Falcons play Chicago and the Bengals play in Pittsburgh.

Chicago-Atlanta is a sport that would go both means. Sure, Justin Fields has been crimson scorching, however the Falcons appear to be a crew that simply doesn’t go away. They combat and scrap and so long as Marcus Mariota performs decently, Atlanta stays shut and typically pulls out wins they’re not imagined to. On the opposite facet, the Bengals completely mustn’t lose to Pittsburgh. Tennessee Titans’ working again Derrick Henry has as many passing touchdowns as Steelers’ quarterback Kenny Pickett. The Bengals are well-rested and though they’re taking part in on the highway, the Bengals are objectively a a lot better crew. That stated, Pittsburgh has overwhelmed Cincinnati as soon as already this yr, due to 4 interceptions from Joe Burrow. That’s the one sport that Burrow has ever thrown 4 interceptions in. You can’t anticipate that very same sort of success through turnovers for those who’re the Steelers, and contemplating that Cincinnati nonetheless took Pittsburgh to extra time in that sport is indicative of how a lot the Steelers want bounces to go their means to be able to come away with a victory.

So, if the curse is true and there may be in truth some voodoo lady in Raleigh with a factor for rapid retribution for standing up towards her Panthers, which groups profit essentially the most and least? Well, clearly, any crew that performs a really sturdy crew after the Panthers could be grateful the curse is wasted on a sport they in all probability would’ve misplaced regardless. The Denver Broncos play in Baltimore Week 13 after taking part in Carolina in Week 12. The Seahawks play the Panthers in Week 14 after which get their second matchup towards San Francisco. The 49ers already received their first matchup, so Seattle in all probability isn’t too thrilled about going into the sport that would decide the division winner with an additional handicap. So, with that stated, I believe the 49ers are the most important beneficiaries, even when they already suffered the curse earlier this yr.

I believe the crew that needs to be essentially the most upset although are the Detroit Lions. Yeah, they’re not nice, however they’ve received two straight divisional video games. Even if they will’t attain the playoffs, Lions’ followers would love the chance to enjoy the truth that they swept each the Bears and Packers in the identical season. Well, guess who the Lions play instantly after going through Carolina in Week 16. That’s proper, the Chicago Bears. Thankfully, this sport can be in Detroit, but when the curse is certainly actual, then it received’t matter. Detroit will lose that sport after which go into Week 18 with none momentum for his or her last sport of the season towards… you guessed it! The Green Bay Packers. That’s powerful sledding.

Thankfully, this curse shouldn’t have any impact on the playoffs. The Panthers play the Saints within the last weeks of the season, and barring any miraculous turnaround, the Saints received’t be collaborating in that mid-January rumble. They’re final within the NFC South and nonetheless should face the 49ers, Bucs, Deshaun Watson-led Browns, and Eagles, all of which can be on the highway. If by some miracle the Saints do make it to the postseason although, be prepared for disappointment within the Bayou. It received’t be a Cinderella story for lengthy.