NFC South Power Rankings: Week 4 standings

Sep 27, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated the Saints 27-22. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

2. Carolina Panthers (3-0)
Last week: 2

You have to give Cam Newton a ton of credit. He’s carried the Carolina Panthers on his back and led them to 3-0. Sure, the victories were against Jacksonville, Houston and New Orleans, but have you seen the receiving options Newton has?

Greg Olsen is the best, and while he’s a dangerous player, not many offenses could produce with Olsen and essentially nobody else. But with Cam under center, they have found a way. In three games, Newton has thrown for 685 yards, five touchdowns and two picks and rushed 31 times for 144 yards and two more scores.

With a strong defense, the Panthers remain in business. After a road trip to Tampa Bay, they hit a tough spot on the schedule. The four games which follow the next one are as follows: at Seahawks, home against Philadelphia, home against Indianapolis, home against Green Bay. Some home games in there, but no easy ones.

Week 4: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

For now though, it’s the struggling Buccaneers. Jameis Winston won’t have an easy job on his hands against the Carolina defense, and Cam Newton will once again put his team on his shoulders. The Panthers have a great opportunity to go 4-0.

Next: No. 1