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Bills Hope Bye Week Is Perfect Solution to Their Problems … Again
After back-to-back losses and two weeks of scrutiny, the Buffalo Bills believe their bye week came at the right time. On Sunday, they’ll test that theory against the Carolina Panthers, a team on the rise and undefeated at home.
The matchup kicks off Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. It airs on FOX, with overcast skies and light wind expected — ideal fall football conditions.
Buffalo sits at 4-2 and has been flawless following a bye under Sean McDermott, going 8-0 since 2017. Carolina enters at 4-3, winners of three straight, marking their first time above .500 since 2021. Both teams have momentum to regain or maintain — and plenty on the line in this interconference matchup.
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Buffalo Bills: Seeking a Reset
Buffalo’s midseason slump came suddenly — losses to the Jets and Falcons exposed flaws in red-zone execution and defensive depth. Yet McDermott’s teams have a history of regrouping out of the break, and quarterback Josh Allen insists nothing drastic is needed.
“We don’t have to overhaul everything,” Allen said this week. “It’s correctable. We’ve got to execute better.”
Allen has thrown for 11 touchdowns and rushed for 254 yards — second-most among quarterbacks this season. His dual-threat ability remains Buffalo’s offensive anchor, especially with tight end Dalton Kincaid (oblique) and receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) both limited in practice.
Running back James Cook continues to shine, averaging nearly 90 rushing yards per game, while Buffalo’s defense — fourth in takeaways last season — will look to regain form with potential reinforcements. Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and edge rusher Michael Hoecht are eligible to return from suspension, adding depth to a unit that’s struggled against the run.
Linebacker Shaq Thompson, a former Panther, returns to Charlotte for the first time since signing with Buffalo. “It’s always special coming back,” Thompson said. “But for us, it’s business. We need a win.”
For full team breakdowns and betting data, check the NFL Teams section.
Carolina Panthers: Quiet Confidence
For the first time in years, Carolina feels relevant in late October. Coach Dave Canales has sparked belief and balance — a defense that thrives on turnovers and an offense capable of controlling tempo.
The only question: will Bryce Young be available? The second-year quarterback exited last week’s win over the Jets with an ankle injury and is doubtful to play. If he sits, veteran Andy Dalton will start — his 15th season in the NFL and second stint with Carolina.
Regardless of who’s under center, Carolina’s attack has leaned on a dynamic ground game. Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle split carries effectively last week, combining for 122 rushing yards. “We had two fresh backs in the fourth quarter,” Canales said. “That’s how you finish games.”
The Panthers’ defense is equally important to their surge. They lead the league in takeaways (16) and own a +11 turnover margin, the best in football. Safety Kevin Byard III has four interceptions, while linebacker Tremaine Edmunds continues to anchor the middle with 61 tackles and three picks.
At 3-0 at home, Carolina has been one of the most reliable underdogs in the NFL. For more betting insights, visit the NFL Picks hub.
Injury Reports
Buffalo Bills
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Dalton Kincaid (TE) | Questionable | Oblique |
| Joshua Palmer (WR) | Questionable | Ankle |
| Matt Milano (LB) | Questionable | Pectoral |
| DaQuan Jones (DT) | Questionable | Calf |
| Terrel Bernard (LB) | Questionable | Ankle |
| Gabe Davis (WR) | Out | Knee |
| Tyler Bass (K) | Out | Hip/Groin |
| Damar Hamlin (S) | Out | Pectoral |
| DeWayne Carter (DT) | Out | Achilles |
Carolina Panthers
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Bryce Young (QB) | Doubtful | Ankle |
| Damien Lewis (G) | Questionable | Shoulder |
| Robert Hunt (G) | Out | Biceps |
| Jonathon Brooks (RB) | Out | Knee |
| Damarri Mathis (CB) | Out | Knee |
| Patrick Jones II (OLB) | Out | Back |
| David Moore (WR) | Out | Elbow |
Full updates available on the NFL Injury Report.
Betting Insights and Trends
Buffalo’s historical dominance after bye weeks contrasts sharply with Carolina’s perfect home record. The betting market reflects both — the Bills are heavy favorites, but the Panthers have covered in four straight at home.
- Buffalo is 8-0 straight up after a bye since 2017.
- Buffalo is 11-4 SU in its last 15 overall.
- Carolina is 4-0 SU and ATS in home games this season.
- Carolina is 3-0 SU as an underdog in 2025.
- The Over has hit in 4 of Buffalo’s last 5 games with totals above 45.
For detailed line movement and projections, check the NFL Expert Betting Guide.
Matchup Breakdown
This game hinges on Carolina’s quarterback situation. If Bryce Young can’t go, the Panthers’ offense likely shrinks — relying more on the ground game and short passes. That plays into Buffalo’s defensive strength, especially if Matt Milano returns.
The Bills’ offense should find rhythm early. Josh Allen’s ability to extend plays and attack deep could test a Carolina secondary that has allowed big passing days to mobile quarterbacks. James Cook’s consistency also gives Buffalo a path to control tempo.
Still, the Panthers’ opportunistic defense could make things interesting. Their +11 turnover margin can’t be ignored, and their pass rush has the athleticism to contain Allen if they win early downs.
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Prediction
Buffalo’s track record off a bye, paired with Josh Allen’s efficiency against turnover-prone defenses, gives them the clear edge. Carolina’s defense will fight, but the absence of Bryce Young and multiple offensive linemen limits their upside.
Projected Final Score: Buffalo Bills 30, Carolina Panthers 17
Best Bets: Bills -7.5 | Over 46.5
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