NFL.com
Panthers rank: 11th (7th in NFC)
Previous rank: 13th
NFC South: Falcons 4th, Panthers 11th, Saints 15th, Buccaneers 18th
This week's opponent: Lions 2nd
Beyond the numbers: Elliot Harrison points out that Carolina had a field day with the win over the Patriots on Sunday. While Cam Newton looked hapless against the worst defense in the league last week, he turned it around this week in New England.
ESPN.com
Panthers rank: 13th (7th in NFC)
Previous rank: 22nd
NFC South: Falcons 3rd, Panthers 13th, Buccaneers 18th, Saints 20th
This week's opponent: Lions 9th
Beyond the numbers: The ESPN staff partly credits Julius Peppers for the Panthers' victory over the weekend.