Josh Chilton with SBN moved them up a spot from #5 to #4:
NFL power rankings, Week 12: Panthers, Saints making noise, Broncos still on top - SBNation.com
4. Carolina Panthers Going for it on fourth down? That's fine and good, but not really special. Taking a tactical false start so that speed burner Ted Ginn would have room to catch a game-winning 25-yard TD? That's some advanced stuff, there - Ron Rivera is playing chess while everyone else plays checkers. Of course, it helps that Cam Newton is playing great ball and making poised, accurate throws while the Panthers defense mauls just about everyone they see. Stevan Ridley's goal line fumble might have been a key to their victory, but to the victors go the spoils - and the coveted #4 spot in the Power Rankings. (Last Week: 6)
The notion that Byron Bell executed a tactical false start just makes me laugh, hard! If only RR was truly that brilliant but I still give him props because what he is currently doing is working and working well. This team is just a blast to watch. Hopefully we take care of business the next two games and go into New Orleans on a huge win streak.
For the first time this season I completely agree with the rankings at the top. It's Broncos, Seahawks and Saints in front of us. We may never ascend to the top spot but #3 is very possible obviously if we knock off the Saints.