NFL power rankings, Week 12: Falcons soar, Texans tumble
By Staff
![Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals in the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals in the second quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d30eb3ce56669df634683fc24f7f736c7841ad90dbceb5166b92b2c3e68c5738.jpg)
87. Carolina showed up in the second half and mounted a 17 point comeback, but were unable to hold off the dangerous Oakland Raiders. They were able to put up 18 points in the third quarter after Derek Carr went out with a finger injury. Oakland looked revived once Carr returned, and there was nothing Cam Newton could do. Jonathan Stewart was a bright spot with Cameron Artis-Payne out, scoring two touchdowns for the Panthers. Seven penalties, two turnovers, and two Greg Olson drops were too much for Carolina to overcome despite the late effort. There are no moral victories, but this would be the closest thing to it. <p>Next Week: A tough schedule gets even worse as the Panthers travel to Seattle. The Seahawks will be looking to rebound after being upset by Tampa Bay, and are a tough opponent at home. Cam Newton will have his work cut out for him with a very good Seahawks defense and 12th man.</p> <p>Playoff hopes: Winning three of their last five has not been enough for Carolina coming off a four game losing streak. The rest of the division has played very well this year, with Tampa Bay being the surprise team of the season. Meanwhile, Atlanta looks to have the division within their grasp.</p>. 4-7. Previous: . Carolina Panthers. 24. team