Following a win against the New York Jets, the Carolina Panthers find themselves only one game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers atop the NFC South. This is an opening to secure a playoff ticket that has long been a fading memory.
The Panthers have rattled off consecutive wins against the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, and Jets in the first such streak under quarterback Bryce Young. They are now over .500 for the first time since 2021. There is legitimate hope and excitement surrounding this team right now, and it isn't unwarranted.
One could argue that the teams Carolina has beaten are not necessarily top-tier.