The only thing that stopped the Carolina Panthers ' winning streak, at least temporarily, was their bye week . But did some rest do them any good across the latest power rankings?
Here's where they stand heading into Week 12:
Author: Nate Davis
Rank: 26 (-1)
Take: "Their three wins already exceed 2023's total (2). And the good vibes should build Sunday with rookie RB Jonathon Brooks set to make his long-awaited debut in what's shaping up as a pretty good backfield along with newly extended Chuba Hubbard ."
Author: Eric Edholm
Rank: 28 (-)
Take: "The Panthers had to enjoy the bye week, coming off two straight wins that included a successful business trip to Germany. It's nice that the vibes have lightened up a bit, although reality has a way of crashing down hard. They'll get back in action against a 9-1 Chiefs team coming off its first loss of the season. (Uh-oh.) Dave Canales appears to be continuing his stall tactics in terms of backing a starting quarterback, but it would stand to reason that Bryce Young will continue to get shots to impress. Even if he's been better since regaining his starting job, there's still vast room for improvement the Panthers want to see. After the Chiefs come a desperate Buccaneers team and a road trip to face a hot Eagles team. If Young and his emerging playmakers can hold their water against this wicked stretch, it might pave the way for the second-year QB to finish the season as the guy."
Author: David Newton
Rank: 26 (+2)
Take(on Bryce Young/hot seat): "This probably should be somewhere between hot and cold, as in cool. Young was benched in favor of Andy Dalton after an 0-2 start, but Young has won his past two starts. There's a glimmer of hope that he can live up to the expectations of being the top draft pick in 2023. His numbers haven't been hot in those wins (171 and 126 passing yards, respectively), but Young has managed to finish strong in each."
Author: Pete Prisco
Rank: 28 (-1)
Take: "They come off their bye with a brutal game against the Chiefs, who are coming off their first loss. Bryce Young has made progress, but let's see if it continues. "
Author: Mike Florio
Rank: 28 (-1)
Take: "They've somehow gotten to two wins in a row. To get to three, they'll have to beat the Chiefs."
Author: Frank Schwab
Rank: 29 (-)
Take: "It seems rookie running back Jonathon Brooks will make his debut this weekend. The Panthers will be careful with the second-round draft pick, especially with Chuba Hubbard playing well. It's a great step for an exciting young player."
Panthers OLB D.J. Wonnum could be key piece in season's final strech
Panthers WR Adam Thielen could return in Week 12 vs. Chiefs
Panthers HC Dave Canales is asked if he'll start Bryce Young for remainder of season
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Where do the Panthers stand in NFL power rankings heading into Week 12?
