The Carolina Panthers are coming off a dominant 30-0 win over their division rival, the Atlanta Falcons.

In Week 4, the Panthers will look to build on that momentum against the 1-2 New England Patriots. The Patriots struggled in Week 3, turning the ball over five times in a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Carolina should have the edge in confidence heading into this matchup, but the Patriots are getting back one of their best players, Christian Gonzalez.

Gonzalez has been an elite cornerback for the Patriots, instantly elevating their secondary. This presents a potential matchup with Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. McMillan was the 8th overall pick by Carolina in the draft, and he has lived up to the hype thus far.

He has 14 receptions for 216 yards through three games, including a 100-yard performance in Week 2. 

McMillan's play has led him to be one of the top rookies in the class thus far, but he will have a challenging matchup against Gonzalez.

Gonzalez proved to be a shutdown corner in the 2024 season, finishing with second-team All-Pro honors. He has the height and skill to match up with McMillan, giving him the toughest test of his career thus far.

It will also come down to Bryce Young, the number one overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Young's play has been inconsistent thus far, completing 60.5 percent of his passes for 603 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions.

Young struggled in Week 1, completing just 51.4 percent of his passes for 154 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. He had his best game of the season in Week 2, completing 63.6 percent of his passes for 328 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception. Young didn't need to be special in Week 3's blowout win, but he didn't turn the ball over.

The McMillan and Gonzalez matchup will be crucial for the Panthers to secure a road win over the Patriots. If McMillan is locked up, Young will have to rely on other targets, such as Chuba Hubbard and Hunter Renfrow.