17. Carolina Panthers (3-2)
Recap: On the back of three Christian McCaffrey touchdowns, one of which was an 84-yard run that put the Carolina Panthers up 28-17 and slowed a Jacksonville Jaguars comeback bid, the Panthers were able to nab their third consecutive win with Kyle Allen behind center in relief of Cam Newton.
Pros: The Panthers might have the best player in the NFL in their star running back. McCaffrey has totaled 587 yards on the ground and another 279 through the air. He’s on pace to break all sorts of records after one of the most impressive starts to a player’s season in NFL history. Despite their overall performance today, the Panthers’ defense isn’t bad, either, and had a huge fumble recovery for a touchdown.
Cons: Kyle Allen had what can be considered his worst game of the season so far but he still took care of the football. Even so, it was enough for the Panthers to earn another win, with McCaffrey and Reggie Bonnafon both chipping in to make Allen’s job easier.
Outlook: Carolina has been on a roll in Newton’s absence and will look for a fourth straight win and some revenge over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in London in Week 6. With Newton’s return looming at some point in the near future, it’s not dumb to think that the Panthers could stick with Allen behind center.