CHARLOTTE – Follow five media outlets throughout the season as their writers update their NFL power rankings, presented by Daimler Trucks North America.
NFL.com
NFC South: Buccaneers 4th, Saints 21st, Falcons 22nd
ANALYSIS: “The 32-6 loss to an injury-ravaged Bucs team showed just how far this team has fallen since the salad days of September’s 3-0 start.”
ESPN
NFC South: Buccaneers 4th, Saints 18th, Falcons 23rd
ANALYSIS: “Not only does Haason Reddick lead the team in sacks with 11, he has been key to helping young players understand the process that coach Matt Rhule preaches in regard to turning the organization around. Reddick was a part of that process at Temple under Rhule, so the linebacker understands the work and effort that goes into that — and is able to verbally explain it as well as lead by example.”
CBS Sports
NFC South: Buccaneers 5th, Saints 22nd, Falcons 23rd
ANALYSIS: “They have to get the offense fixed for the future.”
Bleacher Report
NFC South: Buccaneers 5th, Saints 20th, Falcons 22nd
ANALYSIS: “The Carolina Panthers’ 3-0 start to the season becomes harder to believe by the week. Since then, they have just two victories in 12 games. Whether it’s been Cam Newton or Sam Darnold under center, the Panthers have been unable to generate offense of late. That is putting immense pressure on Carolina’s defense to be perfect, and the unit is cracking under that pressure.”
Sports Illustrated
NFC South: Buccaneers 4th, Saints 21st, Falcons 23rd
ANALYSIS: “Things have taken a turn since this team started the season 3–0.”
https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-in-the-power-rankings-before-week-17-at-new-orleans