The Carolina Panthers broke what was close to a decade-long playoff drought last season. However, they did it with a sub-.500 record and a point differential of -69—hardly the stuff of true contenders.
This season, the Panthers have seemingly leveled up their game again, though. Going into Week 7, they're 3-2 with a +32 scoring differential, despite having faced some heavyweights. Plus, they have one of the most productive offenses in the league—ranking second in yards per game and fourth in points per game.
Folks are taking notice, too. Nick Shook at NFL.com has the Panthers No. 13 in his latest power rankings, and says they appear to be real:
Bryce Young continues to thrive, Jalen Coker effectively returned to the offense after some time away
due to injury, Chuba Hubbard got rolling, and Carolina’s defense successfully limited the Tanner McKee-led Eagles to just 14 points in the Week 6 win. That’s called taking care of business. Despite Carolina sitting outside the top 10, I’m feeling very optimistic about the Panthers’ chances of winning the NFC South. They’re more consistent than they’ve ever been under Dave Canales and look the part of a playoff team that has been there before and intends to return.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints don't look to be dangerous—so the only threat to Carolina's lead in the NFC South are the Atlanta Falcons, who they blew out 34-3 in Week 2.
Now, winning the division is one thing—but beating what may very well be a far superior team at home in the wild-card round is something else. We expected that challenger to come out for the NFC West, but both the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks are stumbling after spending 2025 as the top two teams in the league.
If the season ended today the Panthers would be playing the Chicago Bears—who thumped them, 59-37, in the regular-season opener at Bank of America Stadium.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Analyst says Panthers 'look the part' of a true playoff contender
