The Carolina Panthers are one of the most underrated squads in football. At the start of 2018, they looked to be at least wild card contenders after starting the season off six and two. But when quarterback Cam Newton's shoulder injury increased in severity, the season fell off a cliff. The Panthers went one and seven in their next eight games and missed the playoffs by a healthy margin. But according to his teammates, Newton's throwing arm looks much healthier than it did last year.

People don't realize just how good the Panthers were looking before Newton's injury. With Newton healthy (and playing at a very high level), Carolina was an intimidating opponent. They knocked off the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Baltimore Ravens, along with a couple less impressive opponents. All three of those teams reached the playoffs, and two went on to the divisional round. The Panthers then went on to lose five games by a one-score margin, playing with a hobbled quarterback. Some opponents they lost to included the New Orleans Saints, and the Seattle Seahawks, another two playoff teams.

All of these reasons are why Carolina is a popular sleeper team for the 2019 season. If Newton can return to MVP form, the Panthers will be a tough opponent for anyone on the schedule. Speaking of schedule, the Panthers face a tough slate of opponents. Some teams include the Los Angeles Rams, the Saints twice, and the Indianapolis Colts. But if Newton can stay healthy, these Panthers have a shot at beating anyone.