Looking to get back into the playoff picture next season, the Carolina Panthers have some exciting new additions that they want to get familiarized with the game plan they've developed. With a new quarterback at the helm in Sam Darnold and star running back Christian McCaffrey expected to be back fully healthy, the Panthers are going to be fighting for their postseason lives throughout all of the 2021 NFL season.

In his second year as head coach, Matt Rhule is hoping to elevate this team into a legit playoff threat with great upset potential. Having said all this, let's take a look at the player who will be the biggest x factor for the Panthers during the 2021 NFL season, and believe it or not it won't be their new starting quarterback Sam Darnold.

Panthers X Factor: Robby Anderson 

Robby Anderson, Panthers

Having only scored three touchdowns to go along with 1,096 receiving yards during the 2020-21 NFL season, Robby Anderson will look to bump those numbers up big time during the 2021-22 NFL season. With Sam Darnold now running the show at quarterback and Christian McCaffrey expected to be back in full form, this will definitely open up more opportunities for Anderson next season, especially with his speed, crafty footwork, and steady hands.

Between Darnold's cannon, McCaffrey's speed and power, and the agility and athleticism of Anderson, the Panthers could form a scary offensive trio with these three Pro Bowl caliber talents on the roster. Given that the Panthers have undergone some major changes over the past few seasons, now is the perfect time for Anderson to step up and make a huge impact on this young and developing Panthers squad that's looking to be in the thick of the NFC wild card race in 2021.

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With Curtis Samuel no longer in the picture for the Carolina Panthers, this will make Robby Anderson their new number one receiver heading into the 2021-22 NFL season. Although the pressure will be higher than ever for him to perform at a high level in 2021, Anderson will definitely be up to the challenge and ready to put up some big numbers all year long.

Now that Darnold is hoping for a fresh start and Anderson is seeking a clean slate to work with, this could be the year that the Panthers get back to playoff status and show the entire league what they're made of. Aiming to become of the elite offensive teams in the NFL next season, the Carolina Panthers are set up nicely to make a surprise run to the playoffs in 2021. If they want to play beyond the regular season next year, then Anderson must step up his game and play lights out during their playoff push in 2021.

In the hopes of challenging the Tampa Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons for the NFC South title next season, the Panthers will have a tough road ahead of them, but with a productive offseason and some new additions to work with, things may finally start to go their way as they begin a new era. With all this in mind, Robby Anderson is without question the x factor to the Panthers' success during the 2021-22 NFL season.