CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After an offseason of turbulence, the start of the regular season is a welcome mast of stability for the 2020 Carolina Panthers. COVID-19, a new coaching staff and the exodus of long-time superstars has washed Carolina in a shroud of uncertainty. The Panthers' young roster is in the early stages of owner David Tepper's rebuilding project. The mystery shrouding the team makes for an intriguing Week 1 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Raiders, no strangers to overhaul themselves, have completed their move to their new $1.8 billion stadium in Las Vegas. Both teams hope to begin new eras of their franchises with a victory to ease the shadow of scrutiny which often follows change in the NFL.
While neither the Raiders or Panthers are projected by experts to challenge for division titles, both have plenty at stake on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium. Getting off to a good start would help close the book on Carolina's bumpiest offseason of the past decade.
How to watch
Date: Sunday, Sept. 13 | Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Location: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)
TV Coverage: CBS | (WFMY News 2 for Triad residents)
RELATED: No fans at Panthers home opener
Prediction - Las Vegas, 38 - Carolina, 28
Most oddsmakers have the Raiders favored between 2.5 to 4.5 points, but in the era of COVID-19, starting a season with the youngest starting defense by average age in the NFL over the last decade doesn't bode well for the Panthers and their new coaching staff.