NFL Power Rankings, Week 7: 49ers, Texans make statements as contenders

By Dan Parzych | Oct 14, 2019

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 13: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images) /

13. Carolina Panthers (18)

Remember all of the pressure and criticism surrounding the Carolina Panthers back in September after the team started the season off 0-2?

Since coming up short in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Panthers have won four games in a row, and what makes this impressive streak even more impressive is how Carolina has managed to do so with Kyle Allen under center.

Obviously, the Panthers always felt confident in Allen being able to handle the duties under center if needed, but watching him play on this high of a level over the last four weeks has been truly incredible to witness.

Defeating Tampa Bay 37-26 in London helped Carolina make another statement over deserving consideration to be a top contender in the NFC, and it was even more impressive to see when taking into consideration that Christian McCaffrey struggled in the ground game.

Despite finding the end zone twice on Sunday, the fact that Carolina still won when McCaffrey was limited to just 31 rushing yards on 22 carries shows how much Allen stepped up again to help keep the NFC South race tight with the New Orleans Saints.

Even when Cam Newton is healthy enough to return, the Panthers would be foolish to switch back with the way Allen is playing.

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