NFL Power Rankings: Panthers at a standstill

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Green Bay Packers v Carolina Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 17: Greg Olsen #88 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a play against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

FanSided – No. 6 (No Change)

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FanSided’s Matt Verderame followed suit, keeping the Panthers just outside of the top-five teams in the league. Carolina remains the third highest NFC team in the poll but second from their division needing help from Atlanta this week at New Orleans in addition to a win of their own.

Suffering two losses to the Saints earlier in the year, Carolina can only win the division with some help unlike current third place Atlanta. The Falcons have games remaining against both the Saints and Panthers meaning they could actually repeat as divisional champions if able to win them both.

"The Panthers have looked excellent against two quality opponents over the past two weeks."

A clear path to the playoffs has finally emerged and the Panthers need to take advantage in their final home game of the regular season this week.

Next: NFC South Preview - Week 16

Final Power Ranking – No. 7 (No Change)

The Panthers maintain their position just on the outside edge of being one of the top teams in the league.