2013 Record: 12-4

2014 Las Vegas Season Win Total: 8.0

2014 Season Win Total Prediction: 'Under'

It all came together for Ron Rivera and Cam Newton in 2013 as the Panthers brain trust helped the franchise to nearly double its wins (seven to 12) from 2012 to 2013. They also earned a home playoff game and were one of the conference's powers.

But offseason attrition has sapped this roster of a lot of talent. And just as quickly as Rivera may have slid off the coaching hot seat he could find himself slipping right back on.

Carolina used a ferocious defense, ranked No. 2 in the league in points and yards allowed, as the foundation for last year's success. They were freakishly efficient on offense and defense and the Panthers parlayed a plus-11 turnover margin into a 125-point scoring differential.

But the team has been shredded by free agency. Its two best offensive players, Steve Smith (released) and Jordan Gross (retired) have moved on. The Panthers lost their top four receivers and their entire starting secondary and few capable replacements were found this spring.

No NFC South team has ever won back-to-back division titles. And there will not be a repeat champion this year. The Panthers were fortunate last year and took advantage of a soft schedule. This year they won't be so lucky. They have to crossover with two very good divisions (NFC and AFC North) and several short weeks and nationally televised games will make things even more difficult.

This team is significantly worse and I don't see any scenario where they top eight wins. Take the 'under' here.

Panthers Regular Season Schedule (All times Eastern)

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 7, at Tampa Bay, 4:25 p.m.

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 14, Detroit, 1 p.m.

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 21, Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m.

Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 28, at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 5, Chicago, 1 p.m.

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 12, at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 19, at Green Bay, 1 p.m.

Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 26, Seattle, 1 p.m.

Week 9: Thursday, Oct. 30, New Orleans, 8:25 p.m.

Week 10: Monday, Nov. 10, at Philadelphia, 8:30 p.m.

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 16, Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Week 12: BYE

Week 13: Sunday, Nov. 30, at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 7, at New Orleans, 1 p.m.

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 14, Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 21, Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 28, at Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Robert will be releasing his 2014 NFL Futures Predictions on Thursday, Aug. 14. Last year's top two picks (8-Unit Play on Arizona 'over' 5.5 wins and 6-Unit Play on Kansas City over 7.0 wins) both won easily and he has hit his top NFL Futures Play (rated 7.0 or higher) in four straight seasons. For more information visit his Insider's Page HERE.

Robert Ferringo is one of the best NFL handicappers in the world and is coming off one of the best football betting seasons in the 43-year history of Doc's Sports. Robert banked nearly $8,000 in profit for his football clients and won a stunning 62.1 percent of his NFL plays (95-58). Robert has won over 70 percent of his last 58 NFL side plays (41-17) and has posted six of seven winning NFL seasons. He has banked $17,400 in football profit, college and pro, over the last 20 months and he is excited about building on his staggering resume. Take advantage of our free, no-strings-attached $60 credit to use toward a purchase of Robert's football selections. You cannot afford to miss out on this great offer - click here.

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