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: Graham Gano #9 and teammate Michael Palardy #5 of the Carolina Panthers react after a field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

CBS Sports – No. 5 (No Change)

CBS Sports NFL expert Pete Prisco failed to move Carolina in his latest rankings for a second consecutive week. After climbing up the charts following a dismal loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 7, the Panthers find themselves near the top of the league with only one loss in the second half of the season.

"That wasn’t a great effort against Tampa Bay, but they rallied to earn a playoff spot. They can still win the division if they beat Atlanta and the Saints lose."

Carolina struggled containing the Buccaneers on defense but buckled down when needed, providing the offense an opportunity to win the game late.

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