NFL Power Rankings: Looking at All 32 Teams Entering Week 15

Dec 11, 2016; Green Bay, WS, USA; Green Bay Packers player Clay Matthews offers a helping hand to Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson after knocking him to the ground in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory credit: Dan Powers/Post-Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK /

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Dec 11, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) waits for a touchdown signal during the first quarter against San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Korey Toomer (56) at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

20. team. 87. . 5-8. . Carolina Panthers

Quarterback Cam Newton wasn’t good in the Panthers’ 28-16 victory over the Chargers at home. But Carolina’s defense actually looked somewhat vintage, forcing three interceptions from the hand of San Diego QB Philip Rivers and five turnovers overall.

Newton’s ineffectiveness of late might be a reason wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin hasn’t been much of a factor this year either.

If there is any good news for head coach Ron Rivera, at least Carolina has a lot of the pieces in place to make a solid return after a Super Bowl-loss “hangover” of a season.