Cat Crave
FanSided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Carolina Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 24: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

FanSided – No. 5 (+1)

More from Cat Crave

FanSided’s Matt Verderame followed suit, bumping Carolina up into the top five best teams in the league. Even after a far from perfect performance, the Panthers proved they can win without playing their best football. A scary attribute for a likely wild-card team when the playoffs begin.

Depending on the results from a final weekend of football, Carolina could finish anywhere from the number two overall seed to their current fifth position. Any improvements require a win at Atlanta in addition to some outside help. Most likely, the Panthers will be traveling to either New Orleans or Los Angeles for the first round of the playoffs.

"Carolina is back in the playoffs and if Cam Newton plays well, it’s extremely viable."

Having already secured their place in the post season, a seed assignment and opponent are all at stake entering the regular season finale.

Next: Panthers Playoff Possibilities

Final Power Ranking – No. 6 (+1)

The Panthers inch closer to the top and are expected to be a tough out for any opponent in the playoffs.

Home/Carolina Panthers News