Another week of NFL action kicks off with Thursday Night Football between the Carolina Panthers (3-3) and Green Bay Packers (4-3) at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Heading into Week 8, both teams are firmly in the playoff picture — Carolina because it plays in the NFC South.
Let’s dive into my Panthers vs. Packers predictions.
Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers odds
Money line: Panthers +154 / Packers -185
Spread: Panthers +3.5 (-108) / Packers -3.5 (-112)
Total: Over 47.5 (-110) / Under 44.5 (-110)
Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers best bet #1: Packers -3.5 (-112)
Although both teams lost last Sunday, this appears to be a tale of two teams going in opposite directions. The Panthers (3-3) lead their the division simply because it’s so bad, but they are coming off a ridiculous loss to the Bucs in Week 7 — and at home, no less. The Packers have recovered from a slow start to win three of their last four contests. How bad was Carolina’s performance last weekend? It got humiliated 43-13 in front of its own fans by a previously 1-5 Tampa Bay outfit, a game that was 33-6 by halftime. Bryce Young (163 passing yards against TB) now has to face a Packers defense that finds itself in the top 10 of the NFL against the pass, top 10 in yards per pass attempt allowed, and No. 1 in interceptions with nine.
On the other side of the ball, Carolina is No. 27 league wide in scoring defense (27.7 points per game allowed). Jordan Love is playing good football (13-to-5 TD-to-INT ratio, 1958 passing yards) and this is a nice opportunity for the Packers’ ground game to get on track. Green Bay lost to Detroit last weekend, but that was a three-point margin on the road against a very good team that was coming off a bye. The Packers had previously reeled off consecutive wins over the Bucs, Bears, and Cowboys. They are playing their third home game in the span of four weeks and should be able to handle a struggling opponent.
Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers best player prop bet: Josh Jacobs Over 58.5 rushing yards (-111)
There is no way to sugarcoat it: Carolina has the worst run defense in the entire NFL. Head coach Dave Canales’ crew is dead last in rushing yards allowed per game (153.2) and yards per carry allowed (5.2). Jacobs missed the first six weeks of this season because of a domestic-violence related suspension, but he has a game under his belt after playing against the Lions and should only be getting better and better. The former Alabama standout racked up 91 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown at Detroit’s expense, so the bar is already pretty high. He should be able to take advantage of a fantastic matchup against the Panthers.
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