NFL predictions: Injured, sloppy, but not without hope

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 15: Jake Curhan #71 of the Carolina Panthers on the bench against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on August 15, 2026 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Carolina Panthers are on the road today for the second gam

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What is the story about?

The Carolina Panthers are on the road today for the second game in the last five days. The first, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was an absolute disaster that tanked the Panthers hard earned reputation as a contender this year. Bouyed mostly by Bryce Young’s stellar play and the defense’s capacity to just enough while undermanned, Carolina was generating a lot of buzz. Then a 1-5 Bucs team ground then into the mud at home. The buzz evaporated.

The Panthersbegan the weeks as slight underdogs, per

our friends at FanDuel. That line has somewhat shockingly not shifted since. I would have expected all the negative momentum to have carried into people’s bets at least a little.

The Packers will be without three starters tonight: center Sean Rhyan, right guard Travis Glover and Mike linebacker Zaire Franklin. That means that, in theory, Derrick Brown should be able to wreak havoc and Young should have an easier time ripping off some of his favorite quick read option looks to Tetairoa McMillan and his tight ends over the middle. It’s a nice theory. Here’s what we actually think is going to happen:

Staff predictions for Week 8

Walker Clement

Panthers 13, Packers 33 -After the Tampa Bay game, this team is going to have to earn my trust back. Right now, there is zero faith in their depth at either cornerback or guard.

Brian Beversluis

Panthers 21, Packers 14 – The Packers can’t run the ball.

Daniel Belton

Panthers 31, Packers 21 – The only thing reliable about the Panthers is their ability to be inconsistent, and the defense really stepped up after getting their doors blown off by the Bears. Panthers rebound on a short week.