Don't sleep on the Carolina Panthers if they make the playoffs.

On Sunday, the Panthers stunned the Los Angeles Rams in a 31-28 upset at home. The only other teams to beat the Rams (9-3) thus far are the San Francisco 49ers (9-4) and the Philadelphia Eagles (8-4).

The Eagles, of course, are the defending Super Bowl champions. With that in mind, Carolina's upset over L.A. may not be a fluke.

Why the Panthers could be a tough out if they make the playoffs

Following the win over the Rams, the Panthers are 7-6 and have captured three of their past five games. This stretch also included a 16-13 road upset over the Green Bay Packers (8-3-1) in Week 9.

With Carolina third-year quarterback Bryce Young making clutch plays, the team could keep gaining traction amid its late playoff pus

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