Despite not having much time to learn the system under new head coach Ron Rivera because of the lockout, Newton will start from Day 1 for Carolina under center. In four preseason games, Newton passed for 300 yards (1 TD) and completed just 42.1% of his passes, though he didn't throw an interception. He also rushed for 86 yards and a score on nine carries. Newton can’t help but be better than the QBs the Panthers trotted out last year (mainly Jimmy Clausen, who will likely back up Newton) as Carolina was by far last in the NFL in passing.

Carolina was able to keep running back DeAngelo Williams from leaving via free agency, and he and Jonathan Stewart are one of the NFL’s best tandems at tailback. Carolina finished a respectable 13th in rushing last season (115.4 ypg) despite opposing defenses knowing they couldn't get hurt through the air. Look for the Panthers to again be run-heavy as Newton learns, although he does have two good weapons in WR Steve Smith and TE Greg Olsen, who was acquired from Chicago.

On defense, the Panthers are installing a more blitz-oriented system like the one Rivera learned as the linebackers coach in Philadelphia (’99-’03). To help with that transition, Rivera brought in the fired Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott to be the coordinator. Carolina has a few nice pieces on defense. The team gave big money to re-sign lineman Charles Johnson after he had 11.5 sacks a year ago. And Jon Beason is one of the better inside linebackers in the NFL. However, the three-time Pro Bowler will miss at least the season opener after foot surgery. The return of LB Thomas Davis will also be a boost after he missed all of last season.

Carolina’s over/under win total on Bodog’s NFL futures odds is 4.5, which is the lowest in the NFL.

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