With the regular season starting this week, a review of the NFL power ratings for 2012 shows that the Carolina Panthers are just ahead of the Washington Redskins. Eight of the top ratings average the Panthers as the 19th best team in the league while the Redskins average out as the 23rd best team.

The two teams play each other in Week 9 in a game that might determine which finishes higher in the power ratings. Neither team is expected to contend for any titles but the Panthers are a trendy pick to improve. That will depend on Cam Newton’s health and whether a year of film allows defenses to catch up with Newton.

The Redskins, with new rookie QB Robert Griffin III, will probably end the season at 7-9 or 8-8 while the Panthers, who have a slightly tougher schedule, will probably be no better. The matchup between the two will probably determine which team ends at .500 on the season. If the Panthers can get an upset on the road, maybe against the Falcons or the Saints, they could improve to 9-7 and be in the discussion for a wild card berth.