The Carolina Panthers are quietly emerging as a potential wild-card team in the ultra-competitive NFC. Nobody in the national media is paying much attention, but head coach Dave Canales' squad has won three straight and four of its last five contests after a rocky start.
Positivity is growing among the fan base. The Panthers believe they can be competitive against anybody right now. This will be put to the test in Week 8 when the Buffalo Bills visit Bank of America Stadium.
This will be a tremendous measuring stick. The Bills have their problems, but they are coming off a bye and remain among the Super Bowl favorites.