2017 NFL Power Rankings Preseason Week 2: Los Angeles Rams take major step forward

19. Carolina Panthers (19)

Despite participating in some activities during training camp, the Carolina Panthers are smart enough to realize there’s no need to rush Cam Newton back during the preseason, as he continues to recover from shoulder surgery. At least with Newton out, Joe Webb was able to take advantage of some extra playing time against the Houston Texans by throwing for 128 passing yards to go along with two touchdowns.

One year after representing the NFC in the Super Bowl, the Panthers turned out to be one of the biggest disappointments of the 2016 season after only winning six games. But with Newton appearing to be on track to start Week 1 along with new weapons for the quarterback to work with like Christian McCaffrey, all signs point to Carolina hopefully bouncing back to compete in the NFC South once again.

As for McCaffrey’s preseason debut, the rookie did well for the most part after rushing for 33 yards on seven carries while appearing in limited action. Just wait until the regular season rolls around when McCaffrey will be used in multiple ways on offense as a running back and receiver that will be a dream come true for fantasy football owners with him in their lineup.