The 4-3 Carolina Panthers have as many wins as the 4-2 Buffalo Bills entering Week 8, just like everybody predicted. The similarities are expected to end there, however, as the obvious betting favorites are enjoying one of the larger spread margins of the week. Only the Indianapolis Colts (-14.5 favorites over the Tennessee Titans) and the Kansas City Chiefs (-10.5 favorites over the very injured Washington Commanders) are bigger favorites in Week 8.
Week 8
Spread
Bills: -7.5 (-115)
Panthers: +7..5 (-105)
O/U
46.5 (-105/-115)
Moneyline
Bills: -460
Panthers: +360
Remember that home-field advantage is traditionally accounted for by spotting the home team—the Panthers, in this case—three points on the spread. That would have the Bills favored by ten points on a neutral field or nearly two touchdowns in Buffalo.
Two things are notable about these odds. One, the Bills are coming off of a bye week and an embarrassing Week 6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. They are a good team with clear motivation to re-establish themselves as one of the AFC Super Bowl favorites. At the same time, they have one of the worst running defenses in the NFL and are facing the Panthers, who have one of the stronger rushing attacks in the league. The spread here feels a little wide for me if the Panthers can focus and stick to a run first attack.
Second, the odds started about here before the news officially broke that Bryce Young was likely to miss this week with a high ankle sprain. They haven’t shifted in the 24 hours since then. I don’t know if that reflects bettor confidence in Andy Dalton, a complete lack of confidence in Young, or simple disregard for the Panthers as a factor in this game. I do know that the Panthers play wildly better at home than on the road. I think this game might be closer than people expect, regardless of who is under center.
The above odds were current as of the writing of this post. You can take a look at—and place a bet on—live odds for this game and more here at FanDuel Sportsbook.
