NFL power rankings, Week 17: Chiefs rise, Seahawks fall
By Staff
team. 87. Carolina continues their weary season with a loss to the Atlanta Falcons, allowing them to clinch the division while eliminating themselves from playoff contention. Cam Newton turned the ball over twice in the 17-point loss, and each of Newton’s interceptions were returned for a large number of yardage. Weaknesses in the Panthers run game continue to be highlighted in each loss, this time with Jonathan Stewart averaging less than five yards a run once again. Defensively the Panthers could not contain the run, with the two-headed monster consisting of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman rushing for over 140 yards. <p>Next Week: The Panthers finish their season on the road in Tampa Bay, with the Buccaneers looking to clinch the final playoff spot. Green Bay and Detroit will be the deciding factor, and the Buccaneers have the strength of schedule tiebreaker over each of them. Carolina will be looking to play spoiler, but will be in a tough position to do so.</p> <p>Draft Talk: Alabama offensive tackle Cam Robinson has become the consensus pick among recent mock drafts. With Newton taking repeated hits, and the running game struggling to find consistency, finding an offensive lineman makes long-term sense. A second-round running back or cornerback will also be on the table for Carolina.</p>. 6-9. Previous: . Carolina Panthers. 26