2018 Carolina Panthers game-by-game predictions

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The NFL apparently has something against the Carolina Panthers opening at home.

Make that had.

For the first time since 2013 and second time in coach Ron Rivera’s eight years as head coach Carolina opens at Bank of America Stadium -- against the Dallas Cowboys.

Perhaps the schedule makers finally forgot how Rivera questioned them in 2016 when the Panthers had to open at Denver, a rematch of Super Bowl 50 played less than eight months earlier.

Rivera felt the defending NFC Champions deserved to open at home. He was critical that the league made him and his players relive their 24-10 loss to the Broncos all offseason.

So the league rewarded Rivera this year with about as high a…