Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills head into their preseason debut on Saturday afternoon as a 2.5-point favorite against the Carolina Panthers. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET at the brand new Highmark Stadium.
With Allen and numerous other starters expected to play, my Panthers vs Bills predictions are backing one of the AFC's top teams to cover.
Read more in my NFL picks for Saturday, August 15.
Panthers vs Bills predictions
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TOP PICK
Who will win Panthers vs Bills: Bills -2.5
New Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady announced that if a starter is healthy, he’ll get playing time in preseason Week 1. Josh Allen is the obvious headliner, and this will be his first preseason appearance in two years. He's also coming off another fantastic campaign.
Allen also gets a favorable opening matchup against a Carolina Panthers defense that was very average in 2025. There is no shortage of weapons at his disposal, either. James Cook led the NFL in rushing yards last season, while Joshua Palmer, Mecole Hardman, Keon Coleman, and rookie Skyler Bell all give Buffalo playmaking options.
With Allen and the starters expected to get reps in the first game at the new stadium, the Bills get the cleaner preseason setup.
TOP PICK
Panthers vs Bills Over/Under pick: Under 38.5
This total sits at 38.5, and I’m leaning Under. Bryce Young is expected to play only 10-20 snaps before Kenny Pickett takes over, according to head coach Dave Canales, so Carolina’s starting offense likely won’t get a full runway.
The Panthers will also be without Chuba Hubbard due to injury, leaving Trevor Etienne and Jonathon Brooks to handle most of the backfield work. Buffalo’s starters are expected to play, but I don’t anticipate Allen and the first-team offense staying on the field long, either.
With both teams likely turning to backups early, sustained scoring drives may be harder to come by.
Panthers vs Bills live odds
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Panthers vs Bills weather
Weather at Highmark Stadium looks excellent for Saturday afternoon, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures around 80–82°F during the game. Winds are extremely light at roughly 2 mph, and rain chances sit at 0% throughout the early afternoon.
How to watch Panthers vs Bills
| Location | Highmark Stadium, Buffalo, NY |
| Date | Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 1 p.m. ET |
| TV | NFL |
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