Panthers rank: 21st (12th in NFC)
NFC South: Saints 9th, Falcons 16th, Buccaneers 23rd
Beyond the numbers: Carolina's first win of the season helped convince the ESPN staff to bump the Panthers up three spots in this week's rankings. ESPN predicted the offensive line would be a strength for the Panthers this season, but now raised questions about the future of the left tackle position after Sunday's two-man rotation.
Panthers rank: 19th (11th in NFC)
NFC South: Saints 10th, Falcons 20th, Buccaneers 24th
Beyond the numbers: The Panthers rose four spots this week to place second in the NFC South. Dan Hanzus praised quarterback Kyle Allen's play on Sunday, as well as the efforts by running back Christian McCaffrey and the Panthers defense. With Cam Newton out again this week, Hanzus noted Allen will be up against stiffer competition in Houston.
Panthers rank: 19th (11th in NFC)
NFC South: Saints 6th, Falcons 21st, Buccaneers 24th
Beyond the numbers: The Panthers saw another four-spot rise according to Bleacher Report's rankings this week. The B/R staff said that if Allen lights it up again this weekend in Houston, it could set up the "most unlikely of quarterback controversies."
Panthers rank: 24th (11th in NFC)
NFC South: Saints 7th, Falcons 21st, Buccaneers 27th
Beyond the numbers: Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk bumped the Panthers up three spots this week, saying that if Allen keeps playing like this, there's no need to rush Newton's recovery.
Panthers rank: 20th (12th in NFC)
NFC South: Saints 9th, Falcons 17th, Buccaneers 23rd
Beyond the numbers: The Panthers rose three spots in the ranking, and Pete Prisco said the team should take their time allowing Newton to get healthy again.
