NFL power rankings: Post-preseason 32-team breakdown before Week 1

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts watches from the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /

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FOXBOROUGH, MA – AUGUST 22: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers warms up prior to the start of the preseason game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 22, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

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The Carolina Panthers dodged a major bullet earlier this preseason, for fear they had lost quarterback Cam Newton to a serious leg injury.

Fortunately, the setback was minor, and Newton should be good to go for Week 1.

So, why do the Panthers jump significantly in our NFL power rankings? It isn’t as if they lack serious question marks this season.

Newton is under pressure to return to his former MVP self this season. Yet if running back Christian McCaffrey shoulders a good deal of the load, like he did last season, Carolina’s offense should be far more balanced. That’s a major key and good betting point for Panthers fans.

On top of that, head coach Ron Rivera could easily be on the hot seat this season. One should expect him to coach with that bit of fire underneath him, which helped Carolina reach the Super Bowl not too long ago.

It wouldn’t be a shocker to see those kinds of efforts resurrected this season.