Who will win between the Panthers and Bills? Our Observer experts pick the score
The Carolina Panthers shuffle up to Buffalo on Sunday, more than a month removed from their last victory.
Since that unlikely 34-10 pounding that the Panthers administered to Arizona on Nov. 14, the Panthers have lost three straight games and dropped to 5-8. Buffalo has also been disappointing. The Bills, perceived by many as Super Bowl contenders this season, are 7-6 and barely holding onto the AFC’s seventh and final playoff spot.
The Bills have a ton of former Panthers in the front office and on the field — coach Sean McDermott, general manager Brandon Beane and defensive linemen Mario Addison, Star Lotulelei and Efe Obada among them.
There will be lots of pregame hugs on what should be a decent day by Western New York standards, with temperatures around 30 degrees and not much likelihood of snow. Quarterback Cam Newton, 0-11 in his past 11 starts as a Panther, will make his fourth start of 2021 for Carolina. On to the predictions.
Jonathan Alexander, Panthers beat writer: The Bills have too much on offense and defense for the Panthers to handle. They thrive off turnovers and the Panthers have been turnover-prone in recent games with Cam Newton’s continued struggles. This game could get ugly. Bills 37, Panthers 20.
Ellis Williams, Panthers beat writer: Carolina had a bye week to prepare for Atlanta and still didn’t put together a complete game. They’ll struggle against a playoff-caliber team in Buffalo, especially if quarterback Josh Allen plays. Bills 27, Panthers 17.
Matt Stephens, McClatchy Southeast senior sports editor: Buffalo has been slumping lately and I think we can all agree that this team was over-hyped entering the year. But I love Josh Allen and everything he brings to the game. If he happens to be a late scratch because of his ankle and Mitch Trubisky has to quarterback, just take seven points off my Bills score prediction. Bills 28, Panthers 13.
Scott Fowler, sports columnist: The Panthers have made little sense all season, but this time they will. With an iffy quarterback situation on several fronts, the Panthers will play well enough to keep this one close, only to be undone by the Bills’ superior talent. If this were Vegas, I’d take the Panthers and the points (Buffalo is favored by 11 points). But since we’re picking straight up, it’s just: Bills 26, Panthers 23.
