Now that the final standings in the NFC East & West are set we can evaluate the Panthers schedule for 2008. If you are not familiar with the way the schedule is determined, here is a link detailing the NFC South’ divisional match-ups through 2009.

In 2008 we are matched up with the NFC North and the AFC West which accounts for 8 games. Since we came in 3rd in the NFC South our two "wild card" games are against the 3rd place teams in the NFC East (Redskins) and NFC West (49ers). Our six remaining games are the home and home match-ups with our NFC South brethren.

So other than our NFC South games our home games are:
Chicago (6-9)
Detroit (7-8)
Kansas City (4-11)
Denver (6-9)
Arizona (8-8) (instead of the 49ers)

Our road games are:
Green Bay (12-3)
Minnesota (8-7)
San Diego (10-5)
Oakland (4-11)
New York Giants (10-6) (Instead of Washington)

You can’t be too pessimistic about that non-divisional schedule as we play probably three playoff teams, since either Washington or Minnesota will probably claim the last playoff spot. Throw in the two games against Tampa Bay and that’s only 5 of 16 games against playoff caliber teams.

Even if we go 3-3 in the division we should go 6-4 in the remaining games as a worst case scenario. Ten wins is the magic number so if John Fox can’t win ten games against that cupcake schedule then he should definitely be fired after next season.

Looking at our chances in the NFC South consider the Bucs will be playing the Seahawks and the Cowboys, possibly two losses. The Saints get the Cardinals and the Giants. The Falcons can't possibly improve that much unless Michael Vick some how comes back. NFC South champs is a realistic goal.

What do you think of our 2008 schedule?

BTW, don't EVEN look at our 2009 schedule where we play the AFC and NFC East. It's depressing. Let's hope there's a power shift in the NFL before then.

[Update: With the Saints loss the Panthers somehow moved up to #2 in the division which means the Panthers now play the Giants and Cardinals instead of the Redskins and 49ers. Damn,  those two are definitely tougher teams.