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In the Week 8 edition of “Thursday Night Football,” the Green Bay Packers play host to the Carolina Panthers. Both squads enter this matchup looking to rebound from disappointing losses in their previous outings.
Matchup Overview and Viewing Details
The Packers enter this game off a tough loss to the division rival Detroit Lions in a contest they had multiple opportunities to win. Green Bay had previously won three straight to recover from a blowout defeat against the Atlanta Falcons during their last Thursday appearance in Week 3, and they now aim for four wins in their last five games.
The Panthers are coming off a heavy defeat at the hands of the division rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, losing 43-13 in a game where they fell behind 17-0 early and never found their footing. Despite that setback, Carolina still holds a .500 record following a Week 6 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, as noted by CBS Sports Headlines.
The game takes place on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 8:20 p.m. ET at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Fans can stream the action on Amazon Prime, follow updates on the CBS Sports App, and check the odds where the Packers are listed as 3.5-point favorites with an over/under of 47.5 via DraftKings Sportsbook.
When the Panthers Have the Ball
Carolina recorded its worst offensive output of the season last week, totaling just 266 yards, 15 first downs, and 13 points while committing four turnovers. Quarterback Bryce Young struggled, completing 14-of-27 passes for 163 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions alongside a fumble. Young has now completed under 52% of his passes in back-to-back games and under 55% in three of his last four.
The Green Bay defense has proven difficult for opposing quarterbacks, ranking eighth in net passing yards per attempt and allowing nine touchdown passes against nine interceptions this year. While the Packers have mostly faced a lighter schedule of opposing passers prior to recent games against Dak Prescott and Jared Goff, their secondary features strong play from Keisean Nixon, Brandon Cisse, and slot defender Javon Bullard, supported by steady safety play.
In the ground game, the Panthers rely on Chuba Hubbard, who maintains a 4.8 yards-per-carry average while filling in for the injured Jonathon Brooks. Although game script limited Hubbard to seven carries last week, Carolina may emphasize the run to steady their offense, though Green Bay has surrendered just 3.9 yards per carry this season and the Panthers will play without right tackle Taylor Moton.
When the Packers Have the Ball
Green Bay welcomed Josh Jacobs back last week but still struggled significantly in the run game against the Lions, totaling only 60 rushing yards with Jacobs gaining 36 yards on 11 carries. The Packers currently average a league-low 2.9 yards per carry, and Jacobs faces efficiency questions following an absence and an offensive line that struggles to block for the run.
The Panthers allowed 258 rushing yards to the Buccaneers last week, raising their season average to 5.2 yards allowed per carry, which also ranks last in the league. However, nearly 60% of those allowed rushing yards came in games against the Buccaneers and the Chicago Bears in Week 1, with more solid performances in between.
With the ground game faltering, the Packers’ offense depends on Jordan Love. Love has completed 59.8% of his passes for 7.4 yards per attempt, hindered by a league-high 21 drops according to Tru Media. He ranks fourth in the NFL with a 9.1-yard average depth of throw, generating explosive plays at the third-highest rate among qualified quarterbacks.
Love faces favorable downfield matchups with Carolina cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson sidelined on injured reserve, and backup Akayleb Evans also ruled out. The Panthers elevated Marco Wilson from the practice squad and may move Chau Smith-Wade outside. Christian Watson and Matthew Golden will look to exploit that secondary if Green Bay can protect Love, aided by the absence of Panthers edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.
The Packers likely cannot replicate the Buccaneers’ ground success against Carolina, but they can target the depleted secondary for explosive plays while their own defense continues its recent improvement. Prediction: Packers 24, Panthers 17.
