Until last year, the Carolina Panthers had not hosted an NFL regular season home opener since 2013, but now get their second in a row. However, it comes at a good time for the visiting Los Angeles Rams, who don’t have to make a cross-country flight mid-year but arrive rested and fully prepared for the first game that counts.
The defending NFC champions enter with hopes of competing for a third consecutive divisional title and returning to the championship game but much like the Panthers, have questions about injuries on offense.
Carolina fans have to be concerned about quarterback Cam Newton, who exited preseason game three with an ankle injury – adding to questions about his surgically repaired shoulder.