NFC South Power Rankings: Week 3 standings

Sep 20, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) leaps over the line of scrimmage for a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Houston Texans at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

2. Carolina Panthers
Last week: 2

Cam Newton has put the Carolina offense on his back and front-flipped it to another victory. His acrobatic effort into the end zone will be remembered as one of the plays of the season. Newton threw for 195 yards and two scores and led the team in rushing with another 76 yards on the ground.

With no Kelvin Benjamin and not much from the group of receivers, Newton has had to make plays on his own. This may work against some teams, and it may even help them to victories in the next two over New Orleans and Tampa Bay, but it’s not going to help them against the NFC’s elite.

A four-game stretch from late October into early November could challenge them: at Seattle, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Green Bay. Against teams that can put up points on offense, will Cam be able to keep up?

Next: No. 1