The Panthers had plenty to prove heading into NFL Week 2.
After Week 1, it looked like the Panthers might legitimately have the worst defense in football. The team couldn’t stop the run, and the pass defense wasn’t exactly air-tight either. Everybody was wondering if this was truly what the defense would be like, or if it was just a fluky Week 1 showing.
Well, thankfully, the Panthers looked much better in Week 2. Playing the Atlanta Falcons will make any defense look better, but this performance was particularly impressive. As a result, the Panthers are moving back up in the power rankings following a decisive victory.
Where the Panthers Are Ranked in NFL Power Rankings
CBS Sports: 20 (+5)
NFL.com: 17 (+10)
Sports Illustrated: 20 (+2)
ESPN: 21 (+5)
What National Pundits Are Saying About the Panthers’ Power Ranking
“Bryce Young lit up the Falcons and he’s off to a good start. He’s going to make them pay him to be their long-term guy at this rate.” – Pete Prisco (CBS Sports)
“Call it a fortunate draw if you must, but the Panthers still had to play quality football against a division rival in Atlanta to emerge victorious on Sunday. They did that and then some, enjoying significant contributions from key defensive additions (including one of the best days you’ll ever see from a linebacker in Devin Lloyd) while Bryce Young continued to perform at a remarkably encouraging level. The Panthers won’t play Cooper Rush and the Falcons every week, but they certainly took care of business in Week 2.” – Nick Shook (NFL.com)
“Vibes in Carolina? Immaculate, why do you ask?” – Connor Orr (SI)
“Young averaged 5.6 yards per dropback over the past two seasons. He is averaging 8.0 yards in 2026, which ranks fifth. On Sunday, Young completed 8 of 11 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown on throws beyond 10 yards. Against the Bears in Week 1, Young threw for a career-high 221 yards on throws beyond 10 yards. Young is also sharing the wealth among his targets, as wide receivers Jalen Coker and Tetairoa McMillan each have a 100-yard receiving performance this season.” – Mike Kaye (ESPN)
Panthers Must Prove Week 2’s Performance is Sustainable
There is such a big disparity between how the Panthers played in Week 1 and Week 2 that it’s a little concerning. Like most things, the truth is probably somewhere in the middle- the team isn’t as bad as Week 1 seemed, and not as dominant as in Week 2.
That would be okay, the team just needs to find consistency. Can Bryce Young keep playing at his current pace? If he can, then this team will be in great shape. The Panthers have another very winnable game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 3, so they may be set for another bump in the rankings next week.
