Key Pre-Game Insights for Panthers Fans: Bills vs. Panthers Week 8
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Big game in Charlotte – the Panthers are ready to roar again.
On Sunday, October 26, 2025, the Carolina Panthers (3–4) host the Buffalo Bills (4–2) at Bank of America Stadium (1:00 PM ET) in a pivotal Week 8 showdown that could reshape the NFC South race. After three consecutive wins — including a 24–20 comeback over the Giants — Coach Dave Canales’ squad is starting to look dangerous.
Strengths:
Bryce Young is showing poise beyond his years with 1,200 yards and 6 TDs, while running backs Rico Dowdle (450 yards, 4 TDs) and Chuba Hubbard (950 yards in 2024) form a balanced ground attack ranked 12th in the league (146 YPG). Carolina’s 5–2 record ATS underscores their ability to cover spreads and pull off upsets.
Weaknesses/Challenges:
The pass rush remains inconsistent (26th – 26.3% QB pressure rate), and the secondary (28th, allowing 7.8 yards per attempt) could be tested by Josh Allen’s deep ball. OT Ikem Ekwonu (ankle) is expected to play, while S Xavier Woods (knee) is out. DE Jadeveon Clowney (hamstring) practiced fully, bolstering the defense.
Bills Overview:
Buffalo’s high-powered offense ranks 5th (28.6 PPG) with Allen’s dual-threat brilliance (1,800 yards, 12 TDs) and James Cook’s 537 rushing yards. Yet, their run defense (31st, 156.3 YPG allowed) has crumbled, and two straight losses (to Patriots and Falcons) have raised concerns. Injuries to LB Matt Milano (out), DT Ed Oliver (questionable), and CB Taron Johnson (limited) make things trickier.
Projected Lineups:
Panthers Offense: QB Bryce Young | RB Rico Dowdle | WR Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo | TE Ja'Tavion Sanders | OL Taylor Moton, Brady Christensen, Bradley Bozeman, Robert Hunt, Ikem Ekwonu (Q)
Panthers Defense: DE Jadeveon Clowney, DJ Wonnum | DT Shy Tuttle | LB Shaq Thompson, Frankie Luvu | CB Jaycee Horn, Donte Jackson | S Vonn Bell, Nick Scott (replacing Woods)
Bills Offense: QB Josh Allen | RB James Cook | WR Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir | TE Dalton Kincaid | OL Dion Dawkins, O'Cyrus Torrence, Mitch Morse, David Edwards, Spencer Brown
Bills Defense: DE Greg Rousseau, AJ Epenesa | DT DaQuan Jones, Austin Johnson (replacing Oliver) | LB Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams | CB Christian Benford, Kaiir Elam | S Damar Hamlin, Cole Bishop
Odds:
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Spread: Bills -8 (BetMGM)
Moneyline: Bills -370 / Panthers +295
Over/Under: 47.5 points
Prediction: Panthers 23, Bills 20
Bryce Young’s composure (250 yards, 2 TDs) and Rico Dowdle’s ground power (120 yards, 1 TD) could exploit Buffalo’s 31st-ranked run defense. With Jadeveon Clowney applying heat on Allen and Carolina’s recent momentum, this could be the upset that redefines the Panthers’ season. It’s time to roar, Panthers Nation!













