Here's where the Panthers stand in various power rankings following their 30-27 loss to the Seahawks.
Panthers rank: 12th (6th in NFC)
Previous rank: 10th
NFC South: Saints 1st, Panthers 12th, Buccaneers 20th, Falcons 26th
This week's opponent: Buccaneers 20th
Beyond the numbers: The ESPN staff zeroed in on each team's toughest remaining matchup, and David Newton picked – you guessed it – the Saints in Week 17. While the Panthers will play New Orleans in Week 15 in Charlotte, Newton points out that the Saints are averaging 38 points and have scored 40 or more points four times at home. It's possible the first-place Saints could be resting players by that time, but it should be a tough matchup regardless.
Panthers rank: 12th (6th in NFC)
Previous rank: 9th
NFC South: Saints 1st, Panthers 12th, Falcons 21st, Buccaneers 24th
This week's opponent: Buccaneers 24th
Beyond the numbers: Frank Schwab finds it "stunning" that the once 6-2 Panthers find themselves at 6-5 and on the verge of possibly missing the postseason. He surmises that even if Carolina loses twice to New Orleans and win their other games, a playoff spot may not be guaranteed at 9-7. Huge stakes riding on these next five weeks.
Panthers rank: 13th (7th in NFC)
Previous rank: 9th
NFC South: Saints 1st, Panthers 13th, Falcons 23rd, Buccaneers 26th
This week's opponent: Buccaneers 26th
Beyond the numbers: After losing to Seattle on Sunday, the Panthers are in "big trouble," according to Pete Prisco. Carolina also earned the not-so-great designation of the biggest dropper on Prisco's list, falling four spots.
Panthers rank: 13th (7th in NFC)
Previous rank: 10th
NFC South: Saints 1st, Panthers 13th, Falcons 21st, Buccaneers 23rd
This week's opponent: Buccaneers 23rd
Beyond the numbers: "Remember when the Carolina Panthers were good? Pepperidge Farm remembers." The reference to an early '80s ad campaign is probably all you need to know about B/R staff's take on the Panthers' three-game skid.
Panthers rank: 14th (7th in NFC)
Previous rank: 9th
NFC South: Saints 1st, Panthers 14th, Falcons 20th, Buccaneers 27th
This week's opponent: Buccaneers 27th
Beyond the numbers: A big Carolina supporter throughout the season, Elliot Harrison pulls no punches after Week 12, writing, "Ron Rivera must feel like his riverboat is sinking." With the defeat, the Seahawks, Redskins and Vikings are now ahead of the Panthers in the wild card race. "There is no underrating the loss," Harrison added.
