Friday, September 25, 2020

Carolina Panthers Week 3 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Carolina Panthers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 29.2 (30th)
  • Best ranking: 27th (The Athletic)
  • Worst ranking: 31st (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a Week 3 roundup for the Panthers in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 27

What we learned: They'll need to get used to life without Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey could miss the next month or so with a high ankle sprain. The Panthers' offense has not been bad through two games. The negative plays hurt them against Tampa. The Panthers had four turnovers, including a pair of interceptions and a fumble by Teddy Bridgewater. But when they stayed out of their own way, they moved the ball with 427 yards and 24 first downs. Now they'll try to remain competent with McCaffrey.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 31

They have defensive issues that will show up on a weekly basis. The offense needs to do more than it did in the first half against Tampa Bay, but that will be tough without Christian McCaffrey.

USA Today -- Rank: 30

Hard to reckon how rebuilding team recovers from extended loss of RB Christian McCaffrey, who generated nearly 44% of the 2019 offense.

ESPN -- Rank: 30

Under-the-radar fantasy standout: WR Robby Anderson

No player has benefited more from Joe Brady's fast-paced offense than Anderson, who leads the team in receptions with 15 and is second in targets with 18. He has topped 100 yards receiving in both games -- 109 on nine targets in Sunday's loss to Tampa Bay and 114 yards and a touchdown in the opening loss to the Raiders. He has developed a solid chemistry with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. With the Panthers seemingly destined to play from behind, Anderson will continue to flourish and become more consistent, something that has kept him from being a top receiver in the past. -- David Newton

NFL.com -- Rank: 28

The Panthers are 0-2 and Christian McCaffrey is expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain in Sunday's loss to the Bucs. The All-Pro back told reporters on Monday that he hopes he can accelerate that timetable, but in the here and now, Teddy Bridgewater will be asked to carry Carolina in Week 3 against the Chargers. Bridgewater has never been that kind of quarterback, and it's fair to wonder if a Panthers team without McCaffrey is one that will sink quickly into irrelevance.

Previous update: Carolina Panthers Week 2 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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