NFL power rankings, Week 11: Titans rise, Packers tumble

3-6. Previous: . Carolina Panthers. 26. team. 87. Not even a record setting game by Cam Newton could help the Panthers avoid their sixth loss of the season. Newton set career-records for a Panthers quarterback in pass completions and rushing touchdowns by a Panther, passing DeAngelo Williams. Despite Newton looking to have returned for form, a fumble by Kelvin Benjamin forced by Marcus Peters gave the Chiefs an opportunity to win with seconds remaining on the clock. While Carolina led in nearly every statistical category at the end of the game, the costly Benjamin turnover prematurely ended any playoff hopes for the reigning NFC champions. <p>Next Week: Thursday Night Football and the Saints roll into Carolina to face a Panthers team that has lost three of five home games this year. Facing a horrendous New Orleans defense, the Panthers should have an opportunity to put up points in primetime. They still need to find a way to stop the Saints aerial attack, led by Drew Brees and Brandin Cooks.</p> <p>Playoff hopes: Less than a year removed from their Super Bowl appearance, the Panthers are already looking towards next season. When you have a defense allowing more points than the offense can score, playing in January becomes nearly impossible.</p>