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NFL Power Rankings: Panthers rise entering Week 17

By Brandon Scott

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24: Damiere Byrd #18 celebrates with teammates Brenton Bersin #11 and Bryan Cox Jr #91 of the Carolina Panthers after a kick return for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24: Damiere Byrd #18 celebrates with teammates Brenton Bersin #11 and Bryan Cox Jr #91 of the Carolina Panthers after a kick return for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Carolina Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 24: Damiere Byrd #18 celebrates with teammates Brenton Bersin #11 and Bryan Cox Jr #91 of the Carolina Panthers after a kick return for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

The Carolina Panthers inch closer to the top with a less than stellar win…

Concluding a three game December home stand, the Carolina Panthers finished by defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 22-19 on Christmas Eve. It was the fifth straight home victory for the Panthers who have only lost once since midyear.

Even without their best performance, Carolina found a way to win behind a stout defense and timely offense. While the Panthers allowed multiple big plays to the Buccaneers, Carolina’s defense held Tampa Bay to a handful of field goal opportunities.

The timely offense came late for the Panthers after struggling to move the football throughout the contest. Following a missed field goal, quarterback Cam Newton took over with three minutes remaining and eventually found the end zone for a win.

Continue to see where the Panthers rank as the regular season draws to a close this week.

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