Here's where the Panthers stand in various power rankings following their Week 4 victory over the New England Patriots.

NFL.com

Panthers rank: 11th (7th in NFC)
Previous rank: 13th

NFC South: Falcons 4th, Panthers 11th, Saints 15th, Buccaneers 18th
This week's opponent: Lions 2nd

Beyond the numbers: Elliot Harrison points out that Carolina had a field day with the win over the Patriots on Sunday. He says that while Cam Newton looked hapless against the worst defense in the league last week, he turned it around this week in New England.

ESPN.com

Panthers rank: 13th (7th in NFC)
Previous rank: 22nd

NFC South: Falcons 3rd, Panthers 13th, Buccaneers 18th, Saints 20th
This week's opponent: Lions 9th

Beyond the numbers: The ESPN staff partly credits Julius Peppers for the Panthers' victory over the weekend. The 37-year-old is playing like he's 27 again with a team-leading 4.5 sacks through four games.

CBSSports.com

Panthers rank: 7th (5th in NFC)
Previous rank: 16th

NFC South: Falcons 4th, Panthers 7th, Buccaneers 17th, Saints 20th
This week's opponent: Lions 3rd

Beyond the numbers: Simply put, Pete Prisco says the offense came alive against New England. Newton is back.

Yahoo Sports

Panthers rank: 8th (5th in NFC)
Previous rank: 17th

NFC South: Falcons 3rd, Panthers 8th, Buccaneers 18th, Saints 21st
This week's opponent: Lions 7th

Beyond the numbers: Despite the early offensive issues, Frank Schwab recognizes the Panthers are 3-1 with a win over the Patriots. Also, he says Newton looked like MVP Cam.

Bleacher Report

Panthers rank: 11th (6th in NFC) 
Previous rank: 16th

NFC South: Falcons 4th, Panthers 11th, Buccaneers 17th, Saints 20th
This week's opponent: Lions 5th

Beyond the numbers: Chris Simms says Newton bounced back against the Patriots and secured a huge win in the process. The defense gave up 30 points to Tom Brady, but who doesn't. If Carolina can make life difficult for oppossing offenses, the Panthers have the tools to get it going. 

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