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Buffalo (4-2-0) at Carolina (4-3-0)
- When: Oct 26 2025, 1:00 PM
- Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
- Where to watch: FOX
- Last Meeting: BUF 31-14, December 19th, 2021
Buffalo vs Carolina Preview & Prediction
Spread: Buffalo -7.0
Moneyline: Buffalo (-430)
Total: 47.0
Buffalo Bills: Looking to Bounce Back After a Brutal Bye
The Buffalo Bills might have used their bye week for soul-searching instead of rest. After a hot 4-0 start, Josh Allen and company stumbled into the break with back-to-back losses that left the team looking mortal again.
Allen’s undefeated 7-0 record after bye weeks is now on the line, and the Bills’ offense must find consistency. The passing attack is still dangerous, but protection breakdowns and red-zone inefficiency have plagued them recently. Allen isn’t one to sugarcoat things either, he knows Buffalo needs to clean up execution if they plan to reclaim AFC dominance.
Defensively, the Bills could get a much-needed boost with veterans Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi set to make their season debuts after serving suspensions. The hope? That they can help stop the bleeding against the run because Buffalo currently ranks 31st in the league in rushing defense, giving up 156 yards per game.
The good news? Carolina’s offense doesn’t exactly strike fear through the air. But if Buffalo can’t stop the run, this game might be uncomfortably close.
Carolina Panthers: Ground-and-Pound Revival
Don’t look now, but Carolina has quietly found its groove and it starts with the ground game. The Panthers have clawed back to 4-3 after ripping off three straight wins behind a revitalized rushing attack led by Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle.
Head coach Dave Canales has instilled toughness and discipline, even banning “Victory Mondays” because, as he put it, “we haven’t played our best football yet.” Veteran Andy Dalton will likely get the nod at quarterback with Bryce Young nursing an ankle injury. Dalton might not bring fireworks, but he’s steady and Carolina’s run-first approach fits his style.
Expect the Panthers to test Buffalo’s porous run defense early and often. If they can control the clock and limit Josh Allen’s possessions, they’ve got a real shot to pull the upset.
Final Score Prediction
Buffalo should bounce back, but don’t expect fireworks. The Panthers’ ground game and disciplined play-calling keep it tight for most of the night before Allen delivers late.
Final Score: Bills 24, Panthers 20
Lean: Carolina +7.0
Total: Under 47.0
- NFL Football Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
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