NFL power rankings, Week 9: Bills tumble, Saints soar

87. Carolina looked like their old selves coming off a bye week in their second win of the season. Despite not blitzing the majority of the game, the defense sacked Carson Palmer eight times and took advantage of a strip-sack touchdown early. Having Jonathan Stewart healthy was another big key, as the running back scored two touchdowns in back-to-back games. The offensive line does have to better protect Cam Newton, who took several hits once again. Newton said after the game he did not feel safe, and would talk to Roger Goodell in the coming days. A much-needed win for the NFC champions that may have revived their season. <p>Next week: The Panthers travel out to Los Angeles to face the Rams. After Carolina’s defense held David Johnson to 24-yards on the ground, Todd Gurley should be worried. The Panthers look to be back, and it comes at the wrong time for a Rams team being pressured to play Jared Goff.</p> <p>Playoff hopes: Carolina has dug themselves in a deep hole, and it would take a miracle for them to make the playoffs. In 2013, they won their last four games to make the playoffs at 7-8-1, but needed help from the Saints and Falcons. That season Atlanta and New Orleans combined to lose nine of their last 16 combined games. It’s a stretch, but not entirely impossible.</p>. 2-5. Previous: . Carolina Panthers. 25. team