The list was compiled by NFL media analyst Elliot Harrison. Here is what he had to say about the reigning NFC champions and why they’re number one in his book:
“Carolina has to be No. 1, although it’s close with New England. The return of a healthy Kelvin Benjamin should prevent this offense from taking a step back in 2016. Even if the Panthers didcatch lightning in a bottle with offensive coordinator Mike Shula’s everything-I-call-is-working play calling last season, Benjamin adds another dimension to this team. The worry is the pass rush, though re-signing Charles Johnson was nice.