So how good are the Carolina Panthers?
We're about to find out.
The Panthers have made it cleanly through the cupcake portion of their schedule but are likely to face playoff contenders from here on out.
After taking care of business against Oakland and Detroit, two teams with a combined 2-18 record, the Panthers play six games against teams with a .500 record or better—four of those on the road—to close the regular season.
The tough stretch begins with an NFC South showdown this Sunday at Atlanta. Then the Panthers head to Green Bay (5-5), return home to play Tampa Bay (7-3) and Denver (6-4), then head back out on the road to close the season against the New York Giants (9-1) and New Orleans (5-5).
Although the Panthers are off to...