Packers vs Panthers key storylines
1. Déjà vu? The Packers stumbled out of the gates earlier this season, limping to a 1-1 record before returning home to face a reeling NFC South team in need of a win on 'Thursday Night Football.” Green Bay was run over by the Bijan Robinson freight train en route to a blowout loss. The Panthers don't have a running back like that, but the incoming aerial attack with Bryce Young and Tetairoa McMillan is something that should keep the home team up at night. And this isn't uncharted territory for Carolina either. The Panthers lost to the Bills by 31 last season and followed it up with a stunning upset win over the Packers. Could history repeat itself?
2. Flag on the play: The Packers enter Week 8 as the most penalized team in the NFL with 65 through
seven games. Green Bay's negative feelings towards the officiating weren't a mystery after a heartbreaking loss to Detroit in Week 7. The NFL's response? Assigning Scott Novak, the referee who has thrown the most flags in the league this season (141), to the game. Ouch.
3. Here's the kicker: Trey Smack missed from 26 and 35 yards on Sunday in what was a three-point loss for the Packers. The rookie kicker has been inconsistent this season, making just 11-of-16 field goal attempts. Head coach Matt LaFleur said that Smack will remain the kicker, but it's unclear how much confidence the coach will have in the rookie if the game is close.
Packers vs Panthers odds, moneyline, over/under
Opening lines:
- Spread: Packers -7
- Moneyline: Packers -340; Panthers +270
- Total: 45.5
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Packers vs Panthers USA TODAY expert picks
Adam Kaufman: Packers 27, Panthers 20
Carolina just gave up 43 points to Tampa Bay, and now gets a short week, a trip to Lambeau and an offensive line missing Taylor Moton. Other than that, how's everything going? Green Bay has protection concerns of its own, which keeps me from expecting a runaway. Still, Jordan Love has a favorable matchup against a depleted Panthers secondary. The Packers have left points on the field with poor red zone execution, but this looks like an opportunity to finish more drives at home.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Packers 30, Panthers 17
Having authored two of the NFL season's ugliest early-season outings, Carolina is now tasked with averting a third in primetime. It won't be easy for the Panthers to sort out their problems up front, though Green Bay shouldn't be able to gash them on the ground with the same efficiency that the Buccaneers did. Both teams are likely counting on harnessing their explosiveness to lead the way to a victory, but the Packers are a far better bet to do so.
Nicholas Brinkerhoff: Panthers 27, Packers 23
Both teams are coming off deflating division losses, but only one of them came down to the wire. Carolina was steamrolled by Tampa, meaning the Panthers were able to turn their attention to Week 8 while facing a 33-6 halftime deficit in Week 7. The Packers instead had their hearts ripped out by the Lions with a demoralizing last-second loss. Trey Smack missed two short field goals and Green Bay's confidence in the rookie kicker must be shaken. The Packers need the game more, but the Panthers are in a better spot to bounce back.
Where to watch Panthers at Packers
- Matchup: Packers vs. Panthers
- Date: Oct. 29
- Time: 8:15 p.m.
- Venue: Lambeau Field
- Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
- TV: Amazon Prime Video
Panthers at Packers updated injury report
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Panthers at Packers: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 8 game
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