^ Yup, that's how it goes, for better or worse.
/r/nfl was pretty down on the Panthers during a predictions thread. What are your predictions for the club.
Honestly, I don't know why. They lost 6 games by a field goal or less last year. As lucky as they got in 2015, they were just as unlucky in 2016. And now they've got a better team.
I know people are down on Matt Kalil, but he can't possibly be worse than Mike Remmers (sorry Vikings fans, but the dude is on his 7th team since signing as an UDFA). Moton and Williams should compete for the RT spot, allowing Turner and Norwell to be the top 10 guards they are. Ryan Kalil is healthy again. Overall, the line should improve big time.
McCaffrey gives them the burst of speed they desperately needed. Ted Ginn is outright fast, but I wouldn't say he's all that quick. He can't play in the middle of the field. Cam's accuracy issues were notable, but now he's (also) healthy and has a bit of a security blanket so he's not slinging it all over the field. I'd look for him to run less. They really need Benjamin and/or Funchess to create that big body to compliment Olsen, who's also healthy (notice a trend?).
Defensively, I'm not sold on the edge rush by committee (despite somehow leading the league in sacks last year), but Short and Star are two of the best in the business up the middle. Shaq Thompson has been great as a rookie, but they play a lot of nickel, so he hasn't had a ton of snaps per game, but he should begin to split more time with Davis. Speaking of nickel, Captain Munnerlyn might be one of the most important additions this offseason. Worley and especially Bradberry were solid as rookies, but they never found coverage between the numbers outside of Kuechly, who I think is overrated athletically in coverage (he's just damn smart). If Mike Adams can hold on until they find a safety of the future, I think they're pretty solid in the secondary.
I know I sound like a homer, but I think they could challenge for a top seed in the NFC. They need everyone to stay healthy (doesn't everyone?) since they aren't too deep, but they fixed the majority of the holes that have been plaguing them for the last few seasons. From 2013-2015 they were a top 5 team in the NFL. I don't see why they can't come close to that this year.
TL;DR somewhere in between 15-1 and 6-10.