For what it's worth, he is trending up - performing lights out in two of his last three starts for the Panthers. As a result, Young is up four spots in this week's quarterback power rankings from CBS Sports, coming in at No. 19.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- It's a no-brainer that the Carolina Panthers will pick up the fifth-year option on quarterback Bryce Young during the offseason, just like the other eight quarterbacks who were drafted No. 1 between 2011, when the league implemented the fifth-year option for first-round picks, and 2023, when Young was taken with the top pick.

Bryce Young's long-term future with the Carolina Panthers could hinge on how the final four weeks of the regular season play out.

Now with the Panthers 7-6 and tied for first place in the NFC South, Young will have to put his best foot forward in the final four weeks of the season. Bleacher Report contributor Gary Davenport explained why Young will have to play his best football of the season as the campaign comes to a close.

The Panthers are expected to pick up Bryce Young's fifth-year option in the offseason, but an extension may not come until 2027.

Bryce Young, who connected on three touchdown passes while piling up 448 passing yards in his last game, will lead the Carolina Panthers against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 12 on Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET in Santa Clara, California.

Just pretend they're the Atlanta Falcons.