Carolina Panthers (1-6) vs. Denver Broncos (4-3)
As Week 8 of the 2024 NFL season unfolds, the spotlight shines on the interconference clash at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. The Carolina Panthers will take on the Denver Broncos, and here’s a detailed analysis of their matchup, including picks and odds.
Initially, the Broncos were favored by 7.5 points, but that line has shifted to Denver -10.0. This matchup marks the first meeting between these teams since 2022, when the Panthers secured a 23-10 victory as 1-point home underdogs.
Who will emerge victorious in this contest? Continue reading for insights into the Carolina Panthers vs. Denver Broncos prediction.
If you need assistance with betting strategies, consider exploring our NFL Predictions!
The Panthers Face a Tough Challenge
The Carolina Panthers may need to rely on Bryce Young as their starting quarterback this Sunday. Andy Dalton has missed practice due to a thumb injury sustained in a car accident earlier this week.
After a disappointing 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2, Young was benched. Dalton stepped in and led the Panthers to a 36-22 win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3, throwing for 319 yards and three touchdowns.
Unfortunately, the Panthers have since lost four consecutive games. Most recently, they fell 40-7 to the Washington Commanders, with Dalton completing 11 of 16 passes for 93 yards and two interceptions.
In limited action against Washington, Young managed to complete a couple of passes, recording minus-4 yards. Running back Chuba Hubbard was the lone bright spot with 17 carries for 52 yards and a touchdown.
Currently, the Panthers are struggling significantly. They rank 28th in the league, averaging just 15.7 points per game while allowing 34.7 points per game, which is the worst in the NFL. They also rank last in rushing yards allowed (162.1 per game) and rushing touchdowns given up (13).
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The Broncos Seek Consistency
The Denver Broncos have enjoyed success lately, winning four of their last five games. Following a three-game winning streak that ended with a 23-16 loss to the LA Chargers, the Broncos bounced back with a decisive 33-10 victory over the struggling New Orleans Saints in Week 7.
In that game, Denver outgained New Orleans 389-271 in total yards. The Broncos dominated the ground game, accumulating 225 rushing yards on 35 carries, with Javonte Williams leading the charge with 14 carries for 88 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Bo Nix added ten rushes for 75 yards while passing for 164 yards.
Linebacker Cody Barton contributed to the defensive effort, scoring a touchdown after recovering a fumble. The Broncos’ defense has been impressive, allowing just 15.1 points per game (3rd in the league), along with 170.7 passing yards (5th) and 111.7 rushing yards (10th).
Offensively, Denver scores an average of 20.7 points per game, ranking tied for 21st. They gain 124.1 rushing yards per game, placing them 13th in that category. In his rookie season, Bo Nix has thrown for 1,246 yards, five touchdowns, and five interceptions over seven starts.
Nix leads the team in rushing touchdowns with three and has accumulated 255 rushing yards. Meanwhile, Javonte Williams has amassed 467 total yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns.
Betting Insights for Panthers vs. Broncos
In this matchup, the decision is straightforward. Covering a 10-point spread is rarely easy, but the struggling Panthers, who recently lost by 33 points to the Washington Commanders, are hard to back.
Expect another strong defensive showing from the Broncos against Young, who faces challenges with limited support. This could spell trouble for whoever starts at quarterback for Carolina.
The Panthers have a record of 1-8 against the spread (ATS) in their last nine games and a 1-5 ATS mark against AFC opponents in their previous six matchups. On the flip side, the Broncos are 4-1 ATS in their last five games, 6-0 ATS in their last six Week 8 games, and 4-1 ATS in their recent encounters with the Panthers.
