Three short weeks ago the Panthers were just starting to get mentioned as an NFC crown contender. They now find themselves the owners of a two game lead in the NFC for home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Panthers are finally getting the recognition many have thought they deserved all season.
The Packers (6-3) third straight loss, this time at home to the lowly Lions (2-7) who haven't won in Green Bay since 1991, has cast doubt on the Packers as a contender. Heck they don't even lead the NFC North anymore. That honor now belongs to the upstart Vikings, who at 7-2 are now in the NFC contender conversation.