When the season first started, it felt like this game was going to be a blowout in favor of the Buffalo Bills. Now, though, the Panthers are riding a three-game win streak, while the Bills have lost two straight and are coming off a much-needed bye week. Though Buffalo was able to get healthier, several key members of the organization didn't like that they had to take a week off after suffering back-to-back losses.
“It's hard not to think about it, and it's hard not to want to get back in the building and continue to work on your craft and get in with our guys and put together a game plan,” Bills star quarterback Josh Allen told reporters on Wednesday. “[We] had a nice little practice on Monday, so that was awesome, just getting the ball rolling. And listen, we got a lot of work to do, but this is a team that has a lot of guys that want to do that work, that care for each other. We're just excited for another opportunity this week.”
It will be tough for the Bills, who have to face the Panthers in Carolina, where they're 3-0 this season. It'll also be a bittersweet occasion for Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott, who was the Panthers' defensive coordinator from 2011 to 2016.
“[It’s a] great organization that was very kind to me and helpful with my career,” McDermott said during an October 22nd press conference. “Coached around a lot of great coaches and staff and great players. I learned so much from being there. It was a great time for our family. Obviously, making the Super Bowl was a tremendous moment for us, as well, and accomplishment. [I] learned a lot from being there, but I'm super happy here and being a part of this community as well.”
Meanwhile, this is one of the most important games in recent memory for the Panthers, who have been abysmal since the start of the 2023-24 season. If they can find a way to beat the Bills, they'll improve to 5-3 and possibly move into a tie with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for first place in the NFC South. That will be difficult with a lack of clarity at the quarterback spot. With Bryce Young dealing with a high ankle sprain, the Panthers have not yet announced if he or backup Andy Dalton will be starting this Sunday.
“I saw a little bit of it. [He] did more than he did yesterday, so that's good,” explained Panthers head coach Dave Canales yesterday when asked about Bryce Young’s recent workout. “That's our plan right now, is each day try to push him a little bit more. See if we can get him out there in a different capacity. [He] wasn't able to practice today, but was working on the side, was able to do some movement stuff. We'll just take it day-to-day.”
Carolina has leaned on its rushing attack in recent weeks, which is one of the reasons why it's on a three-game win streak. They're averaging 193.3 rushing yards per game in their last three outings. The Panthers will probably utilize the ground game once again on Sunday.
“We're certainly going to run the ball in some fashion,” Canales said. “So, we'll be balanced, and we'll be multiple. At the same time, you know, if the run game's going really well - in the last couple of weeks when we've had some success with the run game - you can lean on that more at times.”
Prediction for Buffalo Bills (-7) @ Carolina Panthers
Even with injuries at the quarterback spot, the Panthers should be able to put up points against a Buffalo Bills squad that ranks 31st in rushing yards allowed per game. With the one-two punch of Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle playing at home, Carolina should cover the spread, but they'll fall short against a highly motivated Buffalo team.
Prediction: Bills 28 - 23 Panthers
How to watch Buffalo Bills (-7) @ Carolina Panthers
Bills @ Panthers starts at 1:00 p.m. EDT at Bank of America Stadium. You can watch it on Fox or stream it via the Fox Sports app or YouTube TV.
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