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NFL Power Rankings: Where Do All 32 Teams Sit Entering Week 14?

By Peter Panacy

Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) talks with running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) talks with running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane (20) during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) is tackled by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Jeremy Lane (20) during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

. Carolina Panthers. 20. team. 87. . 4-8

Yes, the Carolina Panthers are still climbing in this week’s power rankings despite an ugly loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13. Other teams just looked way worse.

Well, quarterback Cam Newton and Co. simply didn’t have any business winning this contest at CenturyLink Field on Sunday Night Football.

Any momentum Carolina wanted to establish was snuffed out when head coach Ron Rivera substituted backup QB Derek Anderson on the first snap from scrimmage, as Newton was being punished for a team-related incident.

Anderson subsequently tossed an interception, which was bobbled into the Seattle defense’s hands, on this play.

The Panthers are nothing like the team they once were a year ago, and it’s showing. Talent-wise, they’re still very good. It’s just not clicking.