The Buffalo Bills’ status as an inner circle Super Bowl contender has taken a slight hit after back-to-back losses, but Week 8 serves up an opportunity to get right as they visit the Carolina Panthers.
The hosts are expected to turn to backup QB Andy Dalton, with Bryce Young hampered by an ankle injury, and my Bills vs. Panthers predictions see that prompting Carolina to lean even more heavily on Rico Dowdle and the run game on Sunday.
Check out my NFL picks for a closer look at this October 26 matchup.
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Bills vs Panthers prediction
Bills vs Panthers Best bet: Rico Dowdle Over 50.5 rushing yards (-114)
The Carolina Panthers' backfield is in an interesting spot, with Chubba Hubbard signed to a long-term deal and Rico Dowdle exploding over the past few weeks. We should see both running backs in big roles on Sunday, but it’s the in-form Dowdle who jumps out as a value pick.
After a combined 389 rushing yards in Weeks 5 and 6, Dowdle came back to earth last weekend with 17 carries for 79 yards — but that would still count as an easy Over on this 50.5 line. He ended up with three more rushes than Hubbard that afternoon and was by far the more efficient back.
Then there’s the upside that comes from facing the Buffalo Bills' run defense. Even with some of the D-line cavalry arriving for the Bills after the bye week, the numbers paint an ugly picture so far. The visitors are giving up 156.3 rushing yards per game, second-worst in the NFL, and they should buckle up for a steady diet of run plays as Carolina plays to its strengths.
Buffalo is also allowing chunk plays on the ground, including Derrick Henry’s 46-yard run in Week 1 and Bijan Robinson’s 81-yard scamper in Week 6.
Don’t be surprised if Dowdle takes a leap towards this Over with a rush of 20+ yards on Sunday.
Bills vs Panthers same-game parlay
If there’s one simple tweak for the Buffalo offense, it’s dialing up more plays for James Cook, who was seeing 20+ touches when the Bills were rolling but wasn’t as involved in their two losses, including just one target in the passing game.
Cook has already piled up five TDs, and I see him adding to that tally on Sunday.
The Bills have covered the spread in their last four meetings with Carolina, and their improving injury report stands in stark contrast to Bryce Young’s likely absence for the Panthers. Buffalo also hasn’t lost three straight games since 2018.
Bills vs Panthers SGP
- Rico Dowdle Over 50.5 rushing yards
- James Cook anytime touchdown
- Bills -7.5
Our big-ticket SGP: Allentown
Josh Allen is averaging 42.3 rushing yards per game this year, and there should be chances for him to escape the pocket against a limited Carolina pass rush.
With a run of 19+ yards in five of his six outings this season, Allen won’t need much volume to nail this prop, and I see him calling his own number early.
Bills vs Panthers SGP
- Rico Dowdle Over 50.5 rushing yards
- James Cook anytime touchdown
- Bills -7.5
- Josh Allen Over 31.5 rushing yards
Bills vs Panthers game predictions
Bills vs Panthers moneyline prediction
The Bills are 6-3 SU in their last nine outings, yet it still feels like they need a response here following two shaky losses.
They scored 30+ points in each of their first four games this season and, while they may not hit those heights here, I expect Sean McDermott’s squad to do just enough to slow down a dangerous Carolina rushing attack.
This doesn’t feel like a spot for Buffalo to slip to a third straight setback.
Final score prediction: Bills 29 - Panthers 16
Bills vs Panthers spread prediction
This spread suggests there’s not much difference between Young and Dalton, and I’m laying the points with Buffalo regardless of who starts under center for Carolina.
Sure, the Panthers have won three in a row, but now they’re facing a rested Allen, who has something to prove after a subpar MNF outing in Week 5.
Bills vs Panthers Over/Under prediction
The O/U line has dropped slightly since the hints that Dalton would be the Panthers’ Week 8 starter, but perhaps not far enough.
Though the Over is 7-3 in Carolina’s past 10 contests, look for the Bills to show significant improvements defensively with D-linemen Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi fresh and available.
If Buffalo builds a big lead, this could also be a slow, run-heavy second half.
Bills vs Panthers odds
- Spread: Bills -7.5 (-105) | Panthers +7.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Bills -425 | Panthers +325
- Over/Under: Over 47.5 (-110) | Under 47.5 (-110)
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Bills vs Panthers trend to know
Buffalo has won 11 straight contests following a bye week. Find more NFL betting trends for Bills vs. Panthers.
How to watch Bills vs Panthers
| Location | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC |
| Date | Sunday, October 26, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
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