The Carolina Panthers went into Arrowhead Stadium and hung in there against the defending Super Bowl Champs. Some writers have differing opinions about whether a “good loss” exists, so this week’s power rankings are a mix of standing pat and slightly dropping for the Cats. Let’s start with ESPN, as always:
18. Carolina Panthers (3-6)
Week 9 ranking: 18
Recalibrated expectation: Avoid the NFC South cellar
Four straight losses and a 1-3 record in the South for a team that has not been able to finish games doesn’t bode well for anything but a last-place finish, particularly since Atlanta is playing better and the Saints and Bucs are fighting for playoff spots.