24. Carolina Panthers (LW: 27)
It should not have come as a surprise. Division teams — especially underdogs whose seasons have long been pronounced dead — often rise to the occasion and play the role of spoiler. When Carolina, previously riding a six-game losing streak, went to New Orleans, there was no shred of intimidation. Instead, the Panthers were the aggressor, mauling the Saints en route to a 31-point victory. Now, as if the football fans of the world hadn’t already been punished enough by the NFC South, the Panthers remain alive in the division race. With a home game against the 2-11 Buccaneers on the slate this week, Carolina might actually survive even longer.
