Bills vs. Panthers Power Rankings Update: Lineup Outlook and Game Predictions Ahead of Week 8 Clash
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Coming off their bye week, the Buffalo Bills are under pressure to bounce back as they face a surging Carolina Panthers team riding a three-game win streak.
Carolina enters the matchup at 4-3, ranked between 16–21 in most power rankings, thanks to a top-7 defense and the NFL’s third-best rushing attack (140.1 yards per game). Running backs Rico Dowdle (551 yards) and Chuba Hubbard (248 yards) have been unstoppable lately, giving Buffalo’s defense a major challenge.
The Bills, averaging rank 6.83, still sit among the league’s elite, but questions remain after back-to-back losses and ongoing struggles against the run (156.3 rush yards allowed per game).
Analysts from Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports, Sportsnaut, and NFL Spin Zone highlight several key points:
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Buffalo’s defense must tighten up, and Josh Allen needs better rhythm with his receivers.
The Panthers are finding success with an “old-school” formula — physical defense and power running.
QB Bryce Young’s ankle injury will heavily impact Carolina’s game plan, depending on his availability.
Veteran journalist Bill Wolcott put it bluntly:
“The Bills have rested enough. Now it’s time to prove they’re still an AFC powerhouse.”
Despite fluctuating rankings (Bills between No. 6–9, Panthers between No. 16–21), this Week 8 clash could go down to the wire. With Allen leading the charge, Buffalo’s redemption starts here.
Predicted Score: Bills 24 – Panthers 20
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