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Power rankings and record predictions

By Matt Verderame

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 17: Quarterback Cam Newton
CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 17: Quarterback Cam Newton /

4. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers enjoyed a magical season in 2015, right up until the clock struck midnight in Super Bowl 50. Carolina started the season with 14 consecutive victories and hammered both the Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks in the playoffs, only to lay the proverbial egg against the Denver Broncos.

This year, Carolina will have a different look. First-Team All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman is with the Washington Redskins, leaving a massive hole in the secondary. While the front seven could make a strong argument for being the best in football, the defensive backs leave plenty of questions.

Offensively, the return of third-year receiver Kelvin Benjamin should do wonders for the vertical passing attack. While quarterback Cam Newton won the Most Valuable Player award, he only threw for 3,837 yards while completing 59.8 percent of this throws. Benjamin’s return along with the development of Devin Funchess should be a huge help.

Carolina faces a tougher schedule this season with the AFC West on the docket, but 11 or 12 wins remains in the question. The Panthers should feast on a middling NFC South, maybe sweeping their three foes. If the Panthers want home-field advantage in January, that might need to happen.

Record prediction: 11-5

Next: No. 3 New England Patriots