Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers are heading into the 2019 NFL season looking to get back into contention. After missing the playoffs with a 7-9 record, the Panthers were unable to make the playoffs. Now, they are hoping to get back to full health and get back to where they left off a couple of years ago.

The biggest storyline all offseason long has been the health of Newton. He went down with a shoulder injury last year and has been rehabbing. Newton is finally back to throwing the football and appears to have changed his motion a bit to reduce stress on his shoulder.

Defensively, the Panthers re-tooled a bit this offseason. Gerald McCoy was signed late in free agency and the team also went out and drafted Brian Burns in the first round of the NFL Draft to help their pass rush.

All the pieces are there for the Panthers to get back into playoff contention. They don't have an easy road ahead of them though, especially playing in the NFC South division. Carolina will have to take care of business against some very difficult teams to get into the postseason.

Let's dive in and take a look at the three most important games of the 2019 season for the Panthers.

Cam Newton, Panthers

3. Week 16 at the Indianapolis Colts

Late in the season, the Panthers are going to face a very tough road test. They may know their fate as far as the playoffs are concerned, or they could be in the middle of fighting for a spot. Either way, this is a big game against Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts are one of the best up-and-coming teams in the entire NFL. They made some big noise last season and improved a lot this year. Carolina will need to finish the season out strong and this will be a major test for them right before the postseason arrives.

2. Week 10 at the Green Bay Packers

One major battle to watch this season will come in Week 10 on the road against the Packers. Green Bay missed the playoffs last season as well and these teams could be battling for a Wild Card berth depending on how the season goes. Aaron Rodgers is never an easy guy to beat.

Luke Kuechly

Heading to a hostile place like Lambeau Field is always a difficult challenge. Newton and company will need to play a great game to come away with a big midseason win.

1. Week 1 vs. the Los Angeles Rams

Carolina will face their biggest challenge of the season in the first week of the season. That's right, Sean McVay and the Rams are going to head to Charlotte to take on the Panthers. The defending NFC champions are looking to clean up some unfinished business after losing to the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl last season.

If the Panthers can set the tone for their season with a big Week 1 win over the Rams, they are going to be tough to beat. There is no doubt that they have the talent and finding out just what kind of team they are in Week 1 could be a blessing rather than a curse.