Panthers rank: 22nd (11th in NFC)
NFC South: Saints 3rd, Buccaneers 21st, Falcons 24th
Beyond the numbers: The loss to the Falcons caused the Panthers to drop three spots this week. According to ESPN's David Newton, injuries have doomed the Panthers this season, citing the loss of quarterback Cam Newton on offense, as well as interior linemen Kawann Short and Dontari Poe on defense.
Panthers rank: 25th (12th in NFC)
NFC South: Saints 4th, Buccaneers 20th, Falcons 23rd
Beyond the numbers: The Panthers slipped five spots in the NFL's rankings this week. Dan Hanzus said that Sunday's loss showed the need for the impending rebuild the Panthers will undergo this offseason.
Panthers rank: 24th (11th in NFC)
NFC South: Saints 5th, Buccaneers 16th, Falcons 25th
Beyond the numbers: The Panthers fell three spots this week, according to Bleacher Report's rankings. The B/R staff said that while another second-half collapse this season has already cost former head coach Ron Rivera his job, it may be enough to convince the Panthers to go back to square one at quarterback, too.
Panthers rank: 25th (12th in NFC)
NFC South: Saints 3rd, Buccaneers 15th, Falcons 24th
Beyond the numbers: Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio bumped the Panthers down four spots after Sunday's loss. Florio pointed out that this marks the second straight year the Panthers have suffered a "second-half collapse."
Panthers rank: 23rd (11th in NFC)
NFC South: Saints 7th, Buccaneers 19th, Falcons 26th
Beyond the numbers: The Panthers dropped two spots this week in the CBS Sports ranking, and Pete Prisco said the biggest question facing Carolina is who will be taking over as head coach next season.
View the best behind-the-scenes photos from Carolina's Week 14 game in Atlanta.
