Carolina Panthers (1-6) are set to face the Denver Broncos (4-3) this Sunday at 4:25 p.m. EDT, as aired on CBS. The odds from BetMGM indicate the Broncos favored by 9 points. Historically, the Broncos have a dominant lead over the Panthers with a series record of 6-2. Additionally, against the spread, while the Panthers stand at 1-6, the Broncos impress with a 5-2 record. The last encounter saw the Panthers triumph over the Broncos, claiming victory 23-10 on November 27, 2022, in Charlotte.
In the most recent game, the Panthers suffered a heavy defeat to the Washington Commanders, falling 40-7, while the Broncos enjoyed a 33-10 win against the New Orleans Saints. Analyzing the overall performance, the Panthers’ offense ranks 29th in the league, with their rushing attack at 23rd and passing game at 28th. Their scoring efficiency is similarly low, placing them at 28th. On the defensive front, the Panthers are 30th overall, 32nd in rush defense, and 25th in pass defense, managing to score against only 21 opponents. Conversely, the Broncos’ offense finds itself 27th overall, with a more respectable 13th in rushing, yet at 29th in passing. Their scoring reflects a struggle as well, ranked at 21st. The Broncos’ defense, however, stands out, ranking 3rd overall, 10th in run defense, and an impressive 5th in pass defense, as well as being the top scorer in defensive categories at 3rd.
Focus will undoubtedly be redirected to Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, who will reclaim the starting position following Andy Dalton’s injury—a sprained right thumb sustained in a car accident. Young’s initial outings this season were subpar; he threw three interceptions without scoring a touchdown across two matches. Now, after five games spent as a backup, he faces a tough challenge. The first overall draft pick in 2023, Young holds a dismal 2-16 record as an NFL starter. Meanwhile, for the Broncos, defensive end Zach Allen stands out with nine tackles for loss and four sacks this season. If he secures five additional tackles for loss, he will tie the franchise record for most by a lineman in a single season, matching the achievement of DE Elvis Dumervil from 2009.
A crucial matchup will be Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard against the Broncos’ robust run defense. Hubbard has been a highlight for Carolina this season, rushing for 537 yards and three touchdowns while maintaining an average of 5.2 yards per carry, even when the team often finds itself chasing the score. Nonetheless, facing the Denver defense, which ranks 11th in rushing yards allowed per game (111.7) and 5th in yards allowed per carry (4.1), presents a significant challenge.
In terms of injuries, the Panthers are beginning to return key players to health. WR Adam Thielen, who has been absent for four weeks due to a hamstring injury, practiced on a limited basis recently and could make a difference upon his return. Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney also resumed training this week after sidelining two games with a shoulder issue. The Broncos are experiencing better health as well, indicated by star cornerback Patrick Surtain II practicing on Wednesday after a concussion. However, defensive tackle Malcolm Roach was sidelined due to a fever.
Looking back at their historical matchups, these teams faced off in Super Bowl 50, where Denver emerged victorious 24-10, culminating in Hall of Fame QB Peyton Manning’s retirement as a champion—following in the footsteps of John Elway’s two Super Bowl wins in the late ’90s. Both franchises have struggled to find success in the years following that game, with the Broncos still seeking playoff contention since their last championship.
The Panthers have notoriously struggled on the road, winning just one of their last 13 games away from home, and have been heavily outscored 152-64 in first halves this season. Furthermore, they currently rank last in the league for third-down conversions at 30.9%. There is a possibility that Dalton may serve as the backup quarterback on Sunday, contingent on his recovery progress. Also waiting in the wings is rookie running back Jonathan Brooks, who recently returned to practice after recovering from a torn ACL. The Panthers have yet to see any contributions from their tight ends in the form of a touchdown this season, and their defensive line has collectively produced only seven sacks, ranking them 31st in the league.
Meanwhile, the Broncos hold an undefeated record at home against the Panthers (4-0) and recently, head coach Sean Payton achieved a notable milestone by defeating every team in the NFL when the Broncos took the win against New Orleans. While rookie quarterback Bo Nix has thrown for only five touchdowns this season, he has maintained a reasonable interception rate with five picks and nine sacks. WR Courtland Sutton currently stands out with two touchdown receptions, being the sole Broncos player with multiple touchdown catches this season. Additionally, running back Javonte Williams recently celebrated his first career game with two touchdowns. The Broncos’ impressive defense, second in the league with 28 total sacks, averages just 4.39 yards allowed per play through seven games, representing the best in the NFL this season. Excelling in the red zone, Denver ranks first by allowing only five touchdowns on 19 opposing trips. Defensive linebacker Nik Bonitto has made headlines for achieving a sack in five consecutive games—a career best and the longest streak since former star Von Miller’s impressive run in 2018.
For fantasy enthusiasts, the Panthers’ defense is on track to becoming one of the least effective in NFL history. This makes every Broncos offensive starter, particularly RB Javonte Williams, a compelling choice, while Carolina has allowed an alarming 243 points across seven games, marking the third-highest total in the Super Bowl era.