Bills set to rebound against Panthers as experts rally behind Allen
The Buffalo Bills are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Carolina Panthers in Week 8, following their bye week. With high hopes for a turnaround, the Bills are looking to break a two-game losing streak, having fallen to both the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons in recent weeks. Meanwhile, the Panthers arrive at Bank of America Stadium riding a wave of momentum, boasting three consecutive victories and four wins out of their last five games.
Injury Concerns for Buffalo
As the Bills prepare for this pivotal clash, they face several injury challenges. Key players such as Josh Palmer, DaQuan Jones, and Taylor Rapp have been ruled out, with Rapp also placed on Injured Reserve. The absence of these players is particularly alarming for Buffalo, as all three occupy positions that have struggled this season. Adding to the uncertainty, four additional players—Terrel Bernard, Matt Milano, Dalton Kincaid, and Maxwell Hairston—are listed as questionable. Notably, Hairston could make his NFL debut after missing the first six games due to a knee injury.
Carolina’s Quarterback Dilemma
Unlike the Bills, the Panthers’ injury report is relatively clean, but they will be without their starting quarterback, Bryce Young, who is battling an ankle injury and is doubtful for the game. In his stead, veteran Andy Dalton has been named the starter, tasked with leading the Panthers against a Bills defense eager to regroup after recent struggles.
Historical Context
This matchup marks the ninth meeting between the two franchises, with the Bills holding a 6-2 all-time record against the Panthers. They have triumphed in three of the last four encounters, although their sole defeat in that stretch came on the road in 2017.
Expert Predictions Favor Bills
Experts are largely backing the Bills to emerge victorious on Sunday. A survey of analysts reveals overwhelming support for Buffalo:
ESPN Analysts:
– Stephania Bell: Bills
– Matt Bowen: Bills
– Mike Clay: Bills
– Jeremy Fowler: Bills
– Dan Graziano: Bills
– Kalyn Kahler: Panthers
– Pamela Maldonado: Bills
– Eric Moody: Bills
– Jason Reid: Bills
– Lindsey Thiry: Bills
– Seth Wickersham: Bills
CBS Sports Analysts:
– Pete Prisco: Bills
– Cody Benjamin: Bills
– Jared Dubin: Bills
– Ryan Wilson: Bills
– John Breech: Bills
– Tyler Sullivan: Bills
– Dave Richard: Bills
– Jamey Eisenberg: Bills
The Sporting News:
– Vinnie Iyer: Bills 31, Panthers 17
Iyer notes, “The Bills expect to be facing Andy Dalton instead of Bryce Young (high ankle sprain) coming out of their bye as they try to do some defensive regrouping, especially vs. the run. Buffalo, with Josh Allen, once modeled its team after the Cam Newton glory days with plenty of former Carolina influence. The Bills need a big get-well game after two losses and get it here.”
Dominant Predictions
In total, 19 experts have predicted a Bills victory, while only one is backing the Panthers. With recent struggles behind them and a chance to put their season back on track, the Bills are primed for a comeback. As the teams prepare to clash, all eyes will be on Josh Allen and his ability to lead Buffalo to a much-needed win.
