2017 NFL Power Rankings: Where do Los Angeles Rams stand heading into Week 1 preseason?

19. Carolina Panthers

At this point, the top priority for the Carolina Panthers is to make sure Cam Newton is healthy enough to be ready to go for Week 1 of the regular season, as the team looks to bounce back from a horrendous year in which they only won six games. Talent wise, the Panthers seem to have what it takes to emerge as one of the teams to beat in the NFC like two years ago, but it’s always easier said than done.

Newton’s rehab following shoulder surgery has been going well for the most part during the offseason, but the true test will come for the former MVP during an actual game to prove there are no complications. All it takes is that minor tackle or one awkward throw on Newton’s end to re-aggravate the injury to prevent Carolina from reaching their true potential on offense.

As for some of Newton’s teammates, all eyes will be on Christian McCaffrey throughout the preseason after the Panthers managed to land the duel threat in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft. By allowing McCaffrey to be used as both a running back and receiver, this will hopefully take some of the pressure off Newton since he tends to have the mindset sometimes of feeling the need to do too much on offense.