NFC Power Rankings: Teams that are close
#8 - Carolina Panthers (5-5)
Last week: #10
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Next week: vs. Washington Football Team
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The Carolina Panthers moved up the Power Rankings after earning a victory that gets them back to .500 this season. They enjoyed the return of Cam Newton, who accounted for two touchdowns. They are hoping that is a sign of things to come in the near future.
Cam Newton is now expected to be the starting quarterback moving forward. He will face his former head coach, Ron Rivera, in his first start of the season. He will look to regain his old dominant form and try to get the Panthers higher in the Power Rankings. Newton is one of the most interesting situations to keep an eye on for the rest of this season.
#7 - Minnesota Vikings (4-5)
Last week: #9
Next week: vs. Green Bay Packers
The Minnesota Vikings earned a higher spot in the Power Rankings this week after an impressive victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Vikings have another difficult task in Week 11 against their divisional rivals, the Green Bay Packers. A victory would push them higher in the Power Rankings.
The Vikings have suffered a few really close losses this season, so it was a relief to get a victory in a tight game. They are a dangerous team when they put it all together, but they have been inconsistent all year. They will need to be their best version if they want a chance to beat the Packers.
#6 - New Orleans Saints (5-4)
Last week: #6
Next week: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The New Orleans Saints are one of only six teams in the NFC who currently have a winning record. That earns them their spot in the Power Rankings despite losing their last two games. Being without their superstar running back Alvin Kamara this week was devastating for their offense.
The Saints have scored big upsets over both the Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season, but they have lost to inferior opponents as well. They have a good chance to get back in the win column against the Eagles in Week 11 if they put together a solid game plan.
#5 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3)
Last week: #4
Next week: vs. New York Giants
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers suffered a baffling defeat this week to the Washington Football Team. The Buccaneers went on a bye last week and came out flat against one of the worst teams in the NFC.
Tom Brady leads one of the best passing offenses. They struggled to get anything going against one of the bottom-ranked passing defenses. They will look to rebound and move back up the Power Rankings in another favorable matchup against the Giants.
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