Here's where the Panthers (3-4-1) stand in various power rankings following their Week 8 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and heading into Thursday's game against the New Orleans Saints (3-4).
NFL.com
Panthers' rank: 23rd (11th in NFC)
Previous rank: 19th
NFC South: Saints 20th, Panthers 23rd, Falcons 27th, Buccaneers 30th
This week's opponent: Saints 20th
Beyond the numbers: Elliot Harrison applauds Carolina's defensive effort against Seattle but says the Panthers need more from quarterback Cam Newton. "At this point," Harrison writes, "Newton must make more precise throws from the pocket, then make teams pay when it breaks down."
FoxSports.com
Panthers' rank: 22nd (10th in NFC)
Previous rank: 20th
NFC South: Saints 18th, Panthers 22nd, Falcons 27th, Buccaneers 30th
This week's opponent: Saints 18th
Beyond the numbers: Dan Schneier called Carolina's defensive performance against the Seahawks "its most complete game of the season." He added that improved play from the Panthers offensive line is needed to help Newton and the offense produce.
CBSSports.com
Panthers' rank: 20th (9th in NFC)
Previous rank: 16th
NFC South: Panthers 20th, Saints 22nd, Falcons 27th, Buccaneers 29th
This week's opponent: Saints 22nd
Beyond the numbers: Pete Prisco dropped the Panthers four spots after the tough loss to Seattle, but he's keeping them ahead of the Saints prior to Thursday's showdown.
ESPN.com
Panthers' rank: 20th (9th in NFC)
Previous rank: 17th
NFC South: Saints 17th, Panthers 20th, Falcons 26th, Buccaneers 29th
This week's opponent: Saints 17th
Beyond the numbers: The ESPN staff wants to see better production from the Panthers on straight dropbacks – an area in which the offense struggled against the Seahawks.
NBCSports.com
Panthers' rank: 20th (9th in NFC)
Previous rank: 15th
NFC South: Saints 18th, Panthers 20th Falcons 27th, Buccaneers 31st
This week's opponent: Saints 18th
Beyond the numbers: Mike Florio isn't impressed with Carolina's recent outings but writes, "And yet they somehow still have a good chance of getting to the playoffs."
