Tank Spencer is the host of a weekly sports talk show, “The Sports Tank,” on Asheville’s News Radio WWNC (570-AM) that airs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Spencer also serves as WWNC’s news anchor, reporter and afternoon producer. This column features posts from his blog.

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The following was posted April 15:

The Carolina Panthers enter the 2016 season looking for a fourth straight NFC South Division title, and the only thing that might stop that from happening ... is themselves. 

The Panthers have — thusfar in the offseason — done a fantastic job of addressing their biggest needs, such as franchising Josh Norman, cutting and resigning at a discount Charles Johnson, adding depth at defensive tackle by signing Paul Soliai, and bringing in under-rated speedster corner Brandon Boykin. The offense still needs work as the offensive line could use some tuning up. 

The schedule has been released and it features some tough matchups for the Panthers. Here are the major ones to watch:

WEEK 1 - 9/8 - Panthers @ Broncos - Thursday Night Football

The Panthers get a chance at revenge for the beating Von Miller and the Broncos put on them in the Super Bowl. The Broncos have done okay in the offseason, aside from getting a reliable quarterback. Will it be Mark Sanchez, whom they traded for? Is RGIII or Johnny Football a possibility? Do they take a QB in the draft? If they do draft a QB of the future, chances are he won’t start Week 1. Despite my hatred for the “Sanchise,” I think Denver wins the rematch too.  

OUTCOME: LOSS

WEEK 3 - 9/25 - Panthers vs. Vikings

Another 2015 playoff team that sits on the schedule. The Vikings should be as formidable as they were last season, and depending on what they do in the draft they could be better. I still think Carolina is the better team regardless of what the Vikes do.

OUTCOME: WIN

WEEK 4 - 10/2 - Panthers @ Falcons

The Falcons beat the Panthers in Week 15, a game no one thought they could win. Carolina tends to struggle in Atlanta and this year probably won’t be much different. How much will the salt from last year’s perfect season spoiler play? That remains to be seen.

OUTCOME: LOSS

WEEK 5 - 10/10 - Panthers vs. Buccaneers - Monday Night Football

“Oh here it comes, Tank’s gonna pump up his Bucs to make himself feel better about losing 8 of the last 10 against the Panthers.” No, sorry to let you down. The Bucs will be better this season, but I doubt they win either game against the Panthers this year. Well, maybe the season finale in Tampa, if Carolina rests guys for the playoffs.

OUTCOME: WIN

WEEK 8 - 10/30 - Panthers vs. Cardinals

The Panthers took care of Arizona in embarrassing fashion in the NFC Championship game. They may not blow them out this time, but it should be a better contest. That is, unless Carson Palmer plays even worse than he did in January.

OUTCOME: WIN

WEEK 10 - 11/13 - Panthers vs. Kansas City

This is another tough matchup, but one in which the scheduling gods smiled upon Carolina. The fact that they don’t have to go to Arrowhead is a mark in their favor. The Kansas City game should be another defensive, intense contest.

OUTCOME: WIN

WEEK 13 - 12/4 - Panthers @ Seahawks - Sunday Night Football

It’s the newest, best rivalry in the NFL. Once again Carolina travels to Seattle. Seattle has lost the last two games against the Panthers, but before that had won five in a row. It’s always a tight game and this year should be no different.

OUTCOME: LOSS

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Overall, I’m projecting the Panthers to be 13-3 with another division title and possibly the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs.