The Carolina Panthers are up against it now. Going in with a two-game losing streak, they are about to play one of the heaviest AFC heavyweights this year in the 6-2 Denver Broncos.
Given what Denver does best and what Carolina struggles at the most, there's a decent chance this one could get ugly.
To avoid that, the Panthers have to win a few key battles. Here are four to keep an eye on this week . . .
Panthers QB Bryce Young vs. Broncos DE Zach Allen
In a more ideal world, the Panthers would be able to protect Young at an average level. Well, between a handful of injuries and underwhelming play, they haven't even been mediocre at it.
That means it'll be on Young to keep his feet moving and do a better job of avoiding sacks—having taken 11 over the last two outings. The Broncos' top pass rusher
is Allen, who heads into this week with 4.5 sacks and 22 quarterback hits already.
Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard vs. Broncos LB Alex Singleton
Perhaps the best way that Carolina can keep Young clean in the pocket is to establish a strong run game—something they have only done in the second half of games this year. Hubbard has been brilliant after the break in 2026.
However, the Panthers need to unleash him earlier to help keep pressure off their quarterback. The guy Hubbard will meet most often as a ball carrier is Alex Singleton, who has posted an absurd 101 tackles over eight games.
Panthers DC Todd Wash vs. Broncos QB Bo Nix
This game will represent the beginning of a new chapter, at least defensively. Last week, Carolina fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. We don't know at this early juncture who will be his long-term replacement—but for now, the interim choice is former defensive line coach Todd Wash.
Wash's first order of business is throwing off Nix. Nix has only totaled nine touchdown passes this season, but he is coming off a strong game against a tough Kansas City defense—going 20-of-32 for 222 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Panthers DT Derrick Brown vs. Broncos RG Quinn Meinerz
One of the Broncos' biggest strengths is their offensive line—which is currently ranked No. 4 in the league by Pro Football Focus. The best of them may be Meinerz, who is off to a terrific start this season. Meinerz has the fifth-highest run blocking grade (85.2) at his position and his overall grade ranks him fourth out of 75 qualifying guards.
If Wash's defense is going to slow down Denver's run game, it will begin with Brown winning one-on-one against Meinerz.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Key matchups for Panthers vs. Broncos in Week 9
