Panthers rank: 18th (9th in NFC)
NFC South: Saints 3rd, Falcons 19th, Buccaneers 30th
Beyond the numbers: The ESPN staff kept Carolina in the same spot week over week. Brian Burns' ability to get pressure off the edge was noted. He didn't get there for a sack in the opener, but it shouldn't take long.
Panthers rank: 16th (9th in NFC)
NFC South: Saints 4th, Falcons 23rd, Buccaneers 31st
Beyond the numbers: The Panthers moved up two spots in this ranking. Dan Hanzus commended the Panthers for "hanging tough" against the Rams and found it to be an "imperfect but promising" performance in the opener.
Panthers rank: 15th (9th in NFC)
NFC South: Saints 3rd, Falcons 20th, Buccaneers 29th
Beyond the numbers: Bleacher Report dropped the Panthers one spot, but they are excited about Christian McCaffrey's monster season-opening performance, but they acknowledge it's already must-win time for Carolina in Week 2.
Panthers rank: 18th (10th in NFC)
NFC South: Saints 7th, Falcons 17th, Buccaneers 28th
Beyond the numbers: Despite the loss, the Panthers moved up three spots in the ranking. Bryan Perez praised McCaffrey's dominance, but noted concerns about the rest of the offense.
Panthers rank: 20th (10th in NFC)
NFC South: Saints 6th, Falcons 13th, Buccaneers 29th
Beyond the numbers: The Panthers dropped two spots in the ranking, but Pete Prisco noted the team faced a quality opponent in the Rams and the importance of a quick turnaround this week against the Bucs.
