Oct 29, 2026 1:11 PM

The Green Bay Packers look to shake off a tough loss against a dangerous Carolina Panthers squad. Can Josh Jacobs exploit Carolina’s struggling run defense on a short week?

The Green Bay Packers haven't had much time to lick their wounds after their loss to the Detroit Lions, but perhaps that's a good thing. 

The Carolina Panthers come to town for a Thursday Night Football matchup, so there's not been much time for the Packers to sulk and think about what could have been at Ford Field.

They've got to move on, because they're still in the thick of a potential playoff chase at 4-3, even though they're in the basement of the NFC North. 

The only way out is up, which means the Packers have to start winning.

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The Panthers are 3-3 and coming off a 43-13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but this is a team that has beaten the Eagles, Lions and Falcons already this season.

They're dangerous, so the Packers need to make sure their have their game faces on heading into this one.

Here's everything (else) you need to know about this game.

Packers vs. Panthers Week 8 Preview

Location: 

Lambeau Field (Green Bay, Wisconsin)

Game Time:

7:15 PM Lambeau Time

TV Channel:

Prime Video 

Packers Injury Report:

Questionable: Anthony Campbell (Ankle), Brenton Cox Jr. (Quadricep), Matthew Golden (Shoulder/Foot), Devonte Wyatt (Ankle)

Out: Zaire Franklin (Shin), Travis Glover (Knee), Sean Rhyan (Ankle)

Panthers Injury Report:

Questionable: Bobby Brown III (Hand)

Out: Jealan Phillips (Hamstring), Torricelli Simpkins III (Ankle), Akayleb Evans (Triceps/Knee), Damien Lewis (Knee)

Betting Odds:  

Packers -3.5, per DraftKings

Key Matchup: Josh Jacobs vs. the Panthers' rushing defense

Josh Jacobs is fresh, having played in just one game this season after coming off the commissioner's exempt list. If there's anyone who won't be impacted by the quick turnaround on Thursday Night Football, it would be him.

Then there's the Panthers' rushing defense, which is the worst in the league. The Panthers are allowing a league-high 153.2 yards rushing per game on defense.

Head coach Matt LaFleur has been itching to get the running game established, and this matchup will give him a good chance to do so.

Key Quote: Panthers head coach Dave Canales on the mindset of both teams coming off losses

“Just for us, this is the next game, this is the next championship opportunity,” Panthers coach Dave Canales said. "But I’m also fully aware there’s a human element involved. And for us, coming off of that loss in the fashion that we lost, for the Packers, a really tough loss for them as well, there’s something that burns inside of you as a competitor. And in me, in our players, certainly in the Green Bay Packers’ locker room, too.”

Prediction:

Packers 24, Panthers 13

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