Here's where the Panthers (2-2) stand in various power rankings following their Week 4 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and heading into Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears.
NFL.com
Panthers' rank: 20th (11th in NFC)
Previous rank: 13th
NFC South: Falcons 19th, Panthers 20th, Saints 22nd, Buccaneers 29th
This week's opponent: Bears 14th
Beyond the numbers: Elliot Harrison points out the defense's striking similar and uncharacteristic numbers from the last two games – 37 points, 454 yards and 24 first downs in Week 3, then 38 points, 454 yards and 25 first downs in Week 4.
FoxSports.com
Panthers' rank: 12th (6th in NFC)
Previous rank: 7th
NFC South: Panthers 12th, Falcons 22nd, Saints 25th, Buccaneers 27th
This week's opponent: Bears 21st
Beyond the numbers: Dan Schneier puts the Panthers eight spots higher than any other analyst and has them first in the division, but he is concerned about Carolina in the trenches, both when it comes to generating a pass rush on defense and protecting Cam Newton on offense.
CBSSports.com
Panthers' rank: 21st (12th in NFC)
Previous rank: 11th
NFC South: Falcons 14th, Panthers 21st, Saints 26th, Buccaneers 28th
This week's opponent: Bears 15th
Beyond the numbers: Pete Prisco simply points to the Panthers allowing 75 points over the last two games. "That's hard to believe," he writes.
ESPN.com
Panthers' rank: 20th (11th in NFC)
Previous rank: 10th
NFC South: Falcons 17th, Panthers 20th, Saints 21st, Buccaneers 29th
This week's opponent: Bears 15th
Beyond the numbers: The ESPN staff keys in on the defense forcing six turnovers during the Panthers' 2-0 start but none since.
NBCSports.com
Panthers' rank: 20th (11th in NFC)
Previous rank: 15th
NFC South: Falcons 12th, Saints 17th, Panthers 20th, Buccaneers 28th
This week's opponent: Bears 18th
Beyond the numbers: Mike Florio is the only analyst to rank the Saints ahead of the Panthers.
