Carolina Panthers moving up national NFL power rankings ahead of Week 11

(Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic via IMAGN Content Services) Cam Newton and P.J. Walker
(Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic via IMAGN Content Services) Cam Newton and P.J. Walker

An impressive win at the Arizona Cardinals has seen the Carolina Panthers surge up the national NFL power rankings ahead of Week 11.

It was a result for the ages in Week 10 as the Carolina Panthers overcame the Arizona Cardinals to get their stuttering campaign back on track. The whole mood within the organization changed in the blink of an eye thanks to the arrival of quarterback Cam Newton, who enjoyed a return to remember with two touchdowns on his opening two plays from scrimmage in the first quarter.

Improved offensive efficiency coupled with yet more exceptional defense was a recipe for success. Something the Panthers will look to continue this Sunday against the Washington Football Team and former head coach Ron Rivera.

Newton is trending towards starting for the first time since his bombshell homecoming, which is going to set Bank of America Stadium alight during player introductions and throughout the contest.

This is a must-win game for the Panthers. One that could shape their prospects down the stretch one way or another.

Ahead of the encounter, we took a look at where Carolina stands in the national NFL power rankings after their most impressive victory of the 2021 season.

Carolina Panthers in the power rankings ahead of Week 11.

Matt Verderame, who is FanSided’s national NFL reporter, placed the Panthers at No. 18 in his rankings – a rise of two places from the previous week.

"“Cam Newton is back, and the Panthers are holding a playoff spot.”"

There was even more optimism from Dan Hanzus over at NFL.com, who shifted Carolina up six places to No. 19, claiming that Matt Rhule’s men are now lively contenders thanks to Newton’s return and Christian McCaffrey’s outstanding production since coming back from a hamstring problem.

"“Cam Newton is back and scoring touchdowns, Christian McCaffrey is healthy and living in the second level of defenses, and the Panthers are once again a credible NFC playoff contender.”"

ESPN declared this weekend’s clash against Washington as the team’s most important remaining after moving them seven places up to No. 17 in their weekly rankings, with the Panthers rising the same number of positions in CBS Sports‘ listing and now sit at No. 15.

The Bleacher Report described Carolina as “quite the ping pong ball” after ranking them at No. 19 and this was a sentiment echoed by Sports Illustrated as they moved the Panthers to No. 20.

"“Suddenly things are a lot more interesting for a team that’s currently in position to be the NFC’s No. 7 seed.”"

Rounding off our weekly power rankings round-up is Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, who surged Carolina up no fewer than six spots to No. 16.

This is obviously all very encouraging and somewhat expected after such a shock success in Arizona. However, what’s absolutely critical for the Panthers is building on the newfound momentum against a head coach that knows the organization inside-out.

It will be absolutely rocking inside the stadium in Week 11. If this energy transitions onto the field, then Carolina might find themselves at 6-5 heading into their next outing at the Miami Dolphins.

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