NFL Opening Week: Predicting All 16 Games As Pro Football Returns

Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 4:25 Fox

Aug 22, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is tackled by New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (95) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

The match-up: Carolina, to the surprise of many, had a 12-4 season in 2013 and likely saved head coach Ron Rivera’s job in the process. In fact seven Panthers made the Pro Bowl, all of which except Jordan Gross [retirement] will be back in 2014. Cam Newton’s health has been a huge question mark after ankle surgery in the off-season and a hairline rib fracture in the third game of preseason play. Still he is expected to start this game. Tampa Bay fired Greg Schiano after a 4-12 season and hired Lovie Smith in his place. Smith has always been respected by his players. Offensively it will be Josh McCown [1,829 yards, 13 touchdowns and one interceptions in eight game with Chicago in 2013] under center. Doug Martin is coming off a torn labrum injury that required him to go on injured reserve after six games last season.

Why Carolina will win: This comes down to a couple of things. First Newton’s health. If he is healthy, Newton is the best offensive player on either side. He is a difference maker and everyone saw that last season [3,379 yards, 24 touchdowns]. Really though the defensive star is Luke Kuechly. In just two seasons, Kuechly has 320 tackles and last season joined Lawrence Taylor as the only player to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and NFL Defensive Player of the Year in consecutive seasons. He is a key piece in the Panther defense.

Why Tampa Bay will win: Smith did not deserve to be fired the way he was from the Chicago Bears. He has a smart football mind which Tampa Bay will benefit from.

Final score: Panthers 24 Buccaneers 9