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Breaking Down Carolina Panthers’ Opponents For 2015 NFL Season

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Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Breaking Down Carolina Panthers' Opponents for 2015 NFL Season

Ron Rivera Carolina Panthers
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers will be looking to make another playoff run in 2015, but they will have to go through a mix of good and bad teams this season. Here is a breakdown of each opponent they will face in the 2015 season.

13. Jacksonville Jaguars

Gus Bradley, Jacksonville Jaguars, 2015 NFL Draft
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13. Jacksonville Jaguars

Gus Bradley, Jacksonville Jaguars, 2015 NFL Draft
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The Jaguars are a franchise in disarray. They have been one of the worst teams in recent years and that expects to continue in 2015. Jacksonville won't pose much of a threat to the Panthers or the rest of the NFL.

12. Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans
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12. Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans
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The Titans are another troubled franchise at the moment, and I don't expect things to be looking up anytime soon. They have some serious issues at quarterback and not many weapons anywhere else. This is another AFC South team that probably won't pose a major threat to the NFL in the near future.

11. Washington Redskins

Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins - Copy
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11. Washington Redskins

Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
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The Redskins are in an interesting situation with Robert Griffin III. This team seemingly can't figure out if he's the franchise quarterback or someone who should be let go, and that is causing extreme strife within the organization. If Griffin can get back to his old ways, then the Redskins can be a dangerous team, but at the moment that doesn't seem likely.

10. New York Giants

Eli Manning New York Giants
Brad Penner -USA TODAY Sports

10. New York Giants

Eli Manning New York Giants
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The Giants are another team that could be dangerous if all things fall into place. Eli Manning is still a solid quarterback, and in 2015 he will hopefully have Victor Cruz back alongside the young and explosive Odell Beckham Jr. This team is kind of a mystery at the moment, but as we've seen in 2007 and 2011, they are dangerous if they click.

9. Houston Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars v Houston Texans
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9. Houston Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars v Houston Texans
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The Texans are a tough defensive team led by probably the best player in the NFL in J.J. Watt. They also have a strong running game behind Arian Foster. Houston is always a tough out, but until they can find some stability at quarterback, they are a middle of the road team.

8. Philadelphia Eagles

Chip Kelly Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach copy
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8. Philadelphia Eagles

Chip Kelly Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach
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The Eagles are an extremely offensive team, but they haven't quite found the all-around winning formula yet. There are some issues in Philadelphia surrounding the quarterback, so it will be an interesting offseason to see what they do. I think they will be a solid team next year, but don't expect any greatness from the Eagles until their quarterback controversy is figured out.

7. Indianapolis Colts

09 Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts
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7. Indianapolis Colts

09 Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts - Copy
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Indianapolis has one of the best young quarterbacks in the league in Andrew Luck. They are once again a perennial playoff team and looking to take the next step behind Luck. There are some issues on the defensive end, but once again the Colts will be a good team with Luck running the show.

6. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys v New England Patriots
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6. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys v New England Patriots
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The Cowboys came out of the blue in 2014 with one of their best seasons in recent years. The two big questions that need to be answered are will they keep DeMarco Murray and will their defense play as well as they did last year? Those are two very big ifs, but if they both go Dallas' way, I expect the Cowboys to make another run at the NFC Championship.

5. Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers Green Bay Packers Quarterback vs. Detroit Lions Lambeau Field copy
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5. Green Bay Packers

Aaron Rodgers Green Bay Packers Quarterback vs. Detroit Lions Lambeau Field
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As long as Aaron Rodgers is the quarterback, the Packers will be one of the top five favorites to win the Super Bowl. Now with Eddie Lacy emerging and the defense playing much better than previous years, I expect Green Bay to be the very good team we've gotten used to seeing over the past few years.

4. Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks
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4. Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks
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Even though the Seahawks lost in the Super Bowl last season, I still think they are the best team in the NFL. Russell Wilson is a great young quarterback, and their defense is top class. Even if Marshawn Lynch is gone as some rumors may suggest, I still think Seattle is the favorite in the NFL.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Green Bay Packers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Green Bay Packers v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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The biggest question surrounding the Buccaneers is who will they draft with the No. 1 overall pick? There is some talent on this roster, but that's the big key. If they draft Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota I think there will be some games that they win based on pure talent, but it will be a few years before Tampa Bay is back to a high level of football.

2. Atlanta Falcons

during a press conference at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility on February 3, 2015 in Flowery Branch, Georgia.
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2. Atlanta Falcons

during a press conference at the Atlanta Falcons Training Facility on February 3, 2015 in Flowery Branch, Georgia.
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The Falcons hired Seattle's defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to be their head coach starting in 2015. I think he will make a big difference in Atlanta, but I don't know if he has the talent on defense yet to make the Falcons a contender. They have an explosive offense and will be tough to beat at home, but just like 2014, I expect the Falcons to be a mid-level team.

1. New Orleans Saints

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints talks with tight end Jimmy Graham (80) of the New Orleans Saints during pregame against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 28, 2014 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***Sean Payton;Jimmy Graham
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1. New Orleans Saints

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints talks with tight end Jimmy Graham (80) of the New Orleans Saints during pregame against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 28, 2014 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***Sean Payton;Jimmy Graham
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The New Orleans Saints will be the Panthers' biggest competitor in 2015 for a playoff spot. I think the division will come down to these two teams and will be decided late in the season. New Orleans has always been an explosive team with Drew Brees, but he only has a few more years left in this league. I think the Saints will be a solid team in 2015, but as it's been the past few years, they won't move to the next level without a better defense

Brian Brennan is a writer for RantSports.
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