Panthers in the power rankings before Week 11 against Washington

CHARLOTTE - Follow five media outlets throughout the season as their writers update their NFL power rankings, presented by Daimler Trucks North America.ANALYSIS: "Most important remaining game: Sunday vs. Washington I easily could have gone with one or both of two games against NFC South rival Tampa Bay in the final month of the season, since Carolina likely will need to win one to make the playoffs. I went with Washington because the Panthers have lost three straight at home and must take care of business at Bank of America Stadium to make the Bucs games meaningful. This will be emotional because it's the return of former Carolina coach Ron Rivera and Cam Newton's return as the starter. A dud here would be a huge blow following a big win on Sunday at Arizona."ANALYSIS: "With Cam Newton back, they have a real chance to make a playoff push. The defense is playing good football and getting better."ANALYSIS: "The Carolina Panthers are quite the ping-pong ball in 2021. There was a three-game winning streak to open the season. A four-game skid that followed. An injury that felled quarterback Sam Darnold. And now, in a plot twist befitting a Hollywood movie, quarterback Cam Newton's return to Charlotte. Newton didn't play much of a role in Carolina's blowout win over a banged-up Arizona Cardinals team: He ran the ball three times and attempted four passes. But two of those resulted in touchdowns, and he told reporters afterward that it felt great to stand under center again for the team he led to Super Bowl 50. There's no guarantee the Newton signing will pan out, and the Panthers aren't without flaws. But Gagnon cautions not to count them out in the NFC playoffs."