5. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were 5-3 at the midpoint of the season. They probably weren’t going to menace the Saints in the NFC South. But, a wild-card spot wasn’t a far-fetched dream. All the team has done is lose its last seven games, most in ugly fashion. Kyle Allen is serviceable as a backup. Cam Newton is polarizing when it comes to the future of Carolina. A new regime is on the horizon. For Christian McCaffrey’s sake, let’s hope they have answers.