NFL Power Rankings: Carolina Panthers rise entering Week 17

NFL Power Rankings: Panthers rise entering Week 17

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: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after scoring the game winning touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

ESPN – No. 7 (+1)

Carolina earned a late game victory over the Buccaneers on the heels of quarterback Cam Newton’s third game winning drive this season. In this week’s analysis looking at projected win totals, the Panthers have already out performed their preseason prediction.

"9 wins: Cam Newton has had some of the best success of his career running this year, which has helped Carolina to 11 wins. Newton currently leads the team in rushing and has set a career high in yards on designed rushing plays."

Moving up another spot, Carolina positioned themselves as the first non-division leader in the rankings. As the season concludes the Panthers will be hard pressed to improve their position, even with a win over Atlanta.

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