5 NFL teams that must win in Week 8

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 21: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on October 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

2. Carolina Panthers

Last week against the defending champion Eagles, the Panthers completed one of the most impressive comebacks of the season. Down 17 heading into the fourth quarter, the Panthers scored three unanswered touchdowns to win 21-17. Led by Cam Newton and exciting young running back Christian McCaffrey the Panthers have one of the best running attacks in the NFL.

Back at home this week, the Panthers play host to Baltimore Ravens who make the trip down the coast. The Ravens have one of the best defenses in the league and that is a bit of an understatement. In nearly every facet of the word, they are elite. The biggest question will be whether the Panthers offense will be able to penetrate the Ravens stout defense.

At 4-2, the Panthers are keeping pace in the stacked NFC South division. They are only one game back of the division-leading Saints who are 5-1. A win over a very good Ravens team would not only be a huge confidence boost, but it would truly legitimize the Panthers as a playoff contender.

The Panthers come into the contest as home underdogs, which may fuel them even more. The Ravens are a good team, and Cam Newton may be a little banged up. But I think the Panthers are more than capable of coming out with a much-needed victory on Sunday.