ANALYSIS: “Something unexpected is happening in Carolina: The Panthers just might be good.

After downing the winless Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday, the Panthers are tied for first place in the NFC South. They have peeled off three consecutive victories without the presence of their best offensive player, running back Christian McCaffrey.

Reserve running back Mike Davis has been a godsend for Carolina, and he had another huge game against Atlanta, piling up 149 total yards and a score on 25 touches. Wide receiver Robby Anderson has emerged as Teddy Bridgewater’s go-to target in the passing game, hauling in eight catches for 112 yards. And Bridgewater was sharp again in Week 5, topping 300 passing yards with two scores and no interceptions.

If there’s a caveat with Carolina’s win streak, it’s that it has come against teams with a combined record of 4-11. The