The Carolina Panthers, heading into a Week 2 matchup with the New Orleans Saints, are in a must-win scenario. 

It feels outrageous to say a Week 2 matchup is a must-win. But judging by the historical numbers, it is the truth. 

Teams that start the NFL season 0-2 finish the season with a winning record only 14% of the time since 1970, according to Stathead.

And when looking at the probability of making the playoffs, those numbers look even more bleak. Teams that start 0-2 end up making the playoffs 9.6% of the time, make the Super Bowl 1% of the time and win the Super Bowl .7% of the time.

That isn't to suggest that the Panthers were hoping for a Super Bowl appearance, the team is far from that reality. However, the Panthers were looking to take a step forward in the 2023 season. That means producing a winning record, and if they start 0-2, it'll be an uphill climb to achieve that goal. 

In Week 2, the Panthers will need to create more explosive downfield plays. In Week 1, against the Atlanta Falcons, the Panthers didn't generate a single passing play that gained more than 20 yards. That will have to change come Monday. 

It feels ridiculous to say that Week 2 is a must-win for any team in the NFL, but judging by the numbers and the reality of divisional games being where teams cut their teeth, the Panthers have to walk away from the matchup with the Saints victorious. 

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Feature image via Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports.