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The Buffalo Bills were supposed to be the juggernauts in the AFC. Now, they’ve now dropped two straight and enter Week 8 searching for consistency. After a much-needed bye week, they’ll travel south to face the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 26. For a team that still ranks among the league’s most explosive on paper, this matchup offers a prime opportunity to get back on track. The Panthers, meanwhile, are winners of three straight. They have quietly turned themselves into one of the NFC’s better stories over the last month.
The Bills (4-2) come in looking to shake off recent offensive struggles, particularly from quarterback Josh Allen. He has been uncharacteristically inconsistent. The good news? Reinforcements are on the way. Defensive linemen Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi are both expected to return. They should bolster a front that’s been gashed in recent weeks.
On the other side, the Panthers (4-3) won’t be intimidated. Carolina’s defense ranks eighth against the run. Their offense, meanwhile, is led by a powerful rushing attack and steady play from Rico Dowdle. The absence of quarterback Bryce Young (ankle) looms large, with Andy Dalton set to start. Despite Carolina’s surge, though, Buffalo enters as a heavy favorite.
This game will be a clash of contrasts: Buffalo’s explosive, pass-heavy approach against Carolina’s grind-it-out, clock-controlling style. The Bills want to light up the scoreboard again after averaging 27.3 points per game. As for the Panthers, they aim to test Buffalo’s soft underbelly. Buffalo has allowed a league-high 5.8 yards per carry. Something’s got to give in Charlotte.
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Here we will look at and discuss some bold predictions for the game between the Bills and the Panthers in Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season.
Andy Dalton steps back into the spotlight, and history suggests he’ll deliver a competent performance. Dalton completed 4-of-7 passes for 60 yards in relief duty last week against the Jets. He helped close out a 13-6 win. Sure, his physical tools may be fading. However, Dalton’s decision-making and timing could serve the Panthers well against a Buffalo defense that has been vulnerable to play-action and crossing routes.
With new primary receiver Tetairoa McMillan emerging as a legitimate deep threat and Xavier Legette providing yards after the catch, Dalton will have the weapons to move the chains. The key will be staying clean in the pocket. Note that the Bills’ defensive line ranks among the top five in sack rate when healthy. Still, Dalton will eclipse 200 passing yards and toss at least one touchdown. He should keep Carolina competitive for most of the afternoon.
Carolina’s tight-end room has quietly become one of the more intriguing depth charts in the NFC. Yes, Ja’Tavion Sanders is the designated starter. That...
