Denver convert 29.7% of their third downs, the worst rate in the NFL, and they are 6-2. Our Broncos vs Panthers prediction explains how a team wins like that.
The Carolina Panthers concede on 80.0% of opponent red-zone trips, second only to Seattle, and have given up 23 sacks. The Denver Broncos have 23 sacks of their own.
Denver Broncos @ Carolina Panthers
Denver BroncosSquawka78%Market60%▲ Strong value
Carolina PanthersSquawka22%Market40%▼ OverpricedSquawka Signal is our model’s read against devigged market prices, updated after every result — not betting advice. How the NFL Signal works. 21+. Play responsibly. Full T&Cs & geo-restrictions apply: Kalshi, Polymarket, ProphetX.
Broncos vs Panthers: our editor’s props
Two editorial selections to sit with the live Signal read below.
AT Our props
An editorial call, not a Signal model output. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Broncos vs Panthers: 2026 form so far
A 6-2 team outscored on the season against a 3-4 team that cannot defend its own end zone. The table sets each attack against what the opposite defense has actually allowed.
Broncos attack against the Panthers defense
| Per game | Broncos offense | Panthers allow |
|---|---|---|
| Passing yards | 180.4 | 208.9 |
| Rushing yards | 92.6 | 140.7 |
| Yards per carry | 3.8 | 4.8 |
| Passer rating | 83.6 | 87.8 |
| Touchdowns | 2.2 | 3.3 |
| Third-down conversion | 29.7% | 45.8% |
| Red-zone conversion | 65.2% | 80.0% |
| Sacks conceded / recorded | 1.2 | 1.4 |
Panthers attack against the Broncos defense
| Per game | Panthers offense | Broncos allow |
|---|---|---|
| Passing yards | 261.7 | 227.4 |
| Rushing yards | 102.0 | 127.9 |
| Yards per carry | 4.2 | 4.5 |
| Passer rating | 89.2 | 80.4 |
| Touchdowns | 3.0 | 2.1 |
| Third-down conversion | 39.2% | 42.1% |
| Red-zone conversion | 64.0% | 48.0% |
| Sacks conceded / recorded | 3.3 | 2.9 |
Denver are +7 on the season despite a 6-2 record. The defense has done all of it: 23 sacks and an 80.4 opponent rating.
Broncos vs Panthers quarterback matchup
Bo Nix has nine touchdown passes to three interceptions at 83.6. Bryce Young has 13 to five at 89.1 but rated 68.0 last week.
| Team | Quarterback | Last game | Season to date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broncos | Bo Nix | 20/32, 222 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT, 103.9 rtg | 149/250, 1493 yds, 9 TD, 3 INT, 83.6 rtg (8 games) |
| Panthers | Bryce Young | 23/41, 209 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 68.0 rtg | 158/269, 1921 yds, 13 TD, 5 INT, 89.1 rtg (7 games) |
Broncos vs Panthers injury report and team news
Denver convert 29.7% of their third downs, the worst rate in the NFL.
Carolina concede on 80.0% of opponent red-zone trips, second only to Seattle.
Denver have 23 sacks and allow an 80.4 opponent passer rating.
Denver BroncosCarolina PanthersSix and two, and plus seven
Denver have won six of eight and been outscored by nothing much: +7 on the season. A 29.7% third-down rate is the worst in football and they win anyway.
The defense is the whole story — 23 sacks, an 80.4 opponent rating and 48.0% allowed in the red zone.
Carolina are the right opponent for a team that struggles to sustain drives. They concede 80.0% in the red zone, so Denver do not need many trips.
Players to watch
- Bo Nix (DEN, QB): 1,493 passing yards and nine touchdowns at 83.6.
- Courtland Sutton (DEN, WR): The senior target in an attack converting 65.2% in the red zone.
- Bryce Young (CAR, QB): 1,921 passing yards and 13 touchdowns at 89.1.
- Tetairoa McMillan (CAR, WR): The first read in a passing game worth 1,832 yards.
How to watch Broncos vs Panthers
Kickoff is 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, November 8 at Bank of America Stadium, which is 12:00 PM CT and 10:00 AM PT. CBS has the regional broadcast.
| Detail | Broncos vs Panthers |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, November 8, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 1:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM CT / 10:00 AM PT |
| Venue | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC |
| TV | CBS |
| Live stream | NFL+ / Paramount+ |
| Week | Week 9, 2026 NFL season |
Broncos vs Panthers prediction and score projection
Denver win 26-16. The Broncos do not move the ball well, but Carolina concede on four of every five red-zone trips and that covers a lot.
The win probability for this game moves as the designations land.
Every Week 9 game, previewed
| Kickoff (ET) | Game | Our prediction | Preview |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 9:15 PM | Jaguars @ Ravens | Jaguars 27-20 | Read |
| Sun 10:30 AM | Bengals @ Falcons | Bengals 27-17 | Read |
| Sun 2:00 PM | Browns @ Saints | Saints 20-17 | Read |
| Sun 2:00 PM | Cowboys @ Colts | Cowboys 26-20 | Read |
| Sun 2:00 PM | Broncos @ Panthers | Broncos 26-16 | You are here |
| Sun 2:00 PM | Lions @ Dolphins | Lions 30-17 | Read |
| Sun 2:00 PM | Rams @ Commanders | Rams 27-17 | Read |
| Sun 2:00 PM | Giants @ Eagles | Giants 20-17 | Read |
| Sun 2:00 PM | Jets @ Chiefs | Chiefs 30-13 | Read |
| Sun 5:05 PM | Texans @ Chargers | Texans 23-17 | Read |
| Sun 5:25 PM | Cardinals @ Seahawks | Seahawks 30-16 | Read |
| Sun 5:25 PM | Packers @ Patriots | Patriots 24-20 | Read |
| Sun 5:25 PM | Raiders @ 49ers | 49ers 30-17 | Read |
| Sun 9:20 PM | Buccaneers @ Bears | Bears 27-20 | Read |
| Mon 9:15 PM | Bills @ Vikings | Bills 27-24 | Read |
The rest of the round sits in NFL predictions for the round and our NFL betting coverage. The outright markets are priced in who wins the AFC. Individual lines are covered in player prop betting.
Broncos vs Panthers FAQ
Denver, clearly. Our Signal model has the Broncos as strong favorites and the live number is in the Signal card on this page. Denver are 6-2; Carolina are 3-4 at -15.
1:00 PM ET on Sunday, November 8 at Bank of America Stadium, which is 12:00 PM CT and 10:00 AM PT.
Denver, converting 29.7% — the lowest rate in the NFL, despite a 6-2 record.
Opponents finish 80.0% of their trips, second only to Seattle.
21+ | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER | Signal probabilities and odds approximate at time of writing and subject to change