Panthers (1-6) vs. Broncos (4-3)
When: Sunday, 2:25 p.m. MT
Where: Empower Field at Mile High Stadium
Radio/TV: 850 AM, 94.1 FM/CBS
Line: Broncos -10.5
Broncos-Panthers series: Denver is 5-2 in seven regular-season games dating back to 1997; the Broncos lost 23-10 in the last meeting, on Nov. 27, 2022, in Carolina, and have won two of the last three matchups against the Panthers.
In the spotlight: Panthers matchup provides chance to find rhythm in passing game
Fantasy owners might not have been pleased with Denver’s offense after wide receiver Courtland Sutton didn’t receive a single target in the Broncos’ Week 7 win over the Saints.
Sutton, however, said he couldn’t care less about his empty stat line. The Broncos won and that’s all that mattered.
“If I go out there and have a 10-catch, 200-yard game and we lose, who really cares at the end of the day?” said Sutton, who has totaled 85 receiving yards and a touchdown in the last three games. “Selfishly, it’s a cool stat number to put out there or whatever, but ultimately at the end of the day, we’re trying to get to the playoffs.”
That may be the case, but if the Broncos want to continue their underdog story, they need more out of Sutton and the passing game as a whole. On Sunday against Carolina, the league’s worst defense, the Broncos have an opportunity to find their rhythm with the hope of building on it in the coming weeks.
The Panthers have struggled against the pass — and so many other things. They are 25th in passing yards allowed (223.6 per game) while giving up the most passing yards per play (7.6).
Carolina has allowed at least two passing touchdowns in five of seven games, according to Next Gen Stats. The Panthers have given up a total of 14 touchdown passes — tied for second-most in the NFL.
Even though Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix has thrown two touchdowns in the last three games, his performance in New Orleans marked his fourth game without a touchdown pass. Denver remains near the bottom in almost every passing category, while Nix’s numbers in the intermediate and deep passing game aren’t pretty.
Against the Saints, the Broncos took advantage of New Orleans’ dreadful run defense and got a little creative in the rushing attack. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Broncos continue to lean on the run game. At the same time, head coach Sean Payton and the offense could run a script similar to Week 3’s win over Tampa Bay when Nix used his arm to push the ball down the field and settle in early.
This season, the Panthers have given up 490 passing yards and six touchdowns and a 65.7% completion percentage on intermediate throws (passes 10-19 yards downfield). Putting Nix in situations where he can develop his timing and accuracy in those situations will be important, especially with the schedule about to get tougher.
“I see growth,” Nix said. “The screen and short completion plays are working for us now. We’ve hit some intermediate and explosive (throws) at times. All of it has to continue to be good for us. That’s how you create good offenses.”
Sutton has been held to under 40 receiving yards in four of seven games in 2024. He had a modest two-game stretch where he totaled at least 60 receiving yards against the Buccaneers and Jets. His production has dipped since. As encouraging as it might be to see rookies Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele make progress, Sutton remains a key factor in the Broncos maintaining a winning record.
No opponent should be taken lightly in the NFL. But if the Broncos want to spark some life into the passing game, their matchup against the Panthers is the chance to do so.
“I know we have a long season ahead of us,” Sutton said. “I just feel like it’ll get better over time and it’s nothing to stress about.”
Who has the edge?
When Broncos run
Broncos running back Javonte Williams has totaled 249 rushing yards in the last four games. He did a solid job against the Raiders and Saints — two teams that have struggled to stop the run. Fortunately for Williams, Carolina is 32nd in rushing yards allowed (162.1) and has given up 27 runs of 10-plus yards. Edge: Broncos
When Broncos pass
Broncos left tackle Garett Bolles highlighted a strong performance from the offensive line in the victory over the Saints. Bolles allowed two pressures on 34 pass-blocking snaps, marking the fifth consecutive game allowing two or fewer pressures and zero sacks, according to Next Gen Stats. The Panthers are 31st in sacks (seven) and pressures (63). More time could mean more success for Bo Nix. Edge: Broncos
When Panthers run
Carolina running back Chuba Hubbard has been the team’s best offensive player, ranking fifth in the NFL in rushing yards (537). He has rushed for at least 100 yards in two games. Denver has allowed 4.1 rushing yards per attempt — sixth-best in the league. The Broncos have held opponents under 100 rushing yards in three games. Edge: Broncos
When Panthers pass
After quarterback Andy Dalton sprained his thumb in a car crash, Bryce Young will start for the first time since Week 2. It doesn’t help that Young, the top pick in the 2023 draft, has to go against the Broncos’ pass rush. Nor does it help that top receivers Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen have been ruled out. Denver has generated pressure on 41.1% dropbacks, the third-highest rate in the league, according to Next Gen Stats. Edge: Broncos
Special teams
Broncos kicker Wil Lutz was efficient last week. He went 4 for 4 on field goal attempts for the second time this season. He enters Sunday’s matchup 17 for 18 on field goal attempts and 12 for 12 on extra points. The Panthers have totaled a league-best 691 yards on kick returns through seven weeks. Edge: Broncos
Coaching
Payton returned to New Orleans and coached his second-best game of the season by channeling creativity into the run game. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph continues to lead one of the top defenses in the league despite having one first-round pick (Pat Surtain II) in the starting lineup. Even with new head coach Dave Canales, the Panthers have remained a dumpster fire in nearly every aspect of the game. Edge: Broncos
Tale of the tape
|
Broncos |
Panthers |
| Total offense |
294 (27th) |
281.6 (29th) |
| Rush offense |
124.1 (13th) |
109.0 (23rd) |
| Pass offense |
169.9 (29th) |
172.6 (28th) |
| Points per game |
20.7 (t-21st) |
15.7 (28th) |
| Total defense |
282.4 (3rd) |
385.7 (30th) |
| Run defense |
111.7 (10th) |
162.1 (32nd) |
| Pass defense |
170.5 (5th) |
223.6 (25th) |
| Points allowed |
15.1 (3rd) |
34.7 (32nd) |
(Click here to see table in mobile.)
By the numbers
166: Receiving yards for Broncos RB Javonte Williams — third most on the team.
16: Receptions resulting in a first down for Broncos WR Courtland Sutton.
176: Punt return yards for Broncos WR Marvin Mims.
49: Tackles for Broncos safety Brandon Jones.
10: Quarterback hits for Broncos OLB Nik Bonitto.
Bet on it
Broncos first-quarter winner (-265): The Panthers are bad. Really bad. Carolina has given up the most points in the league, while opponents have scored a combined 31 points in the first quarter over the last four games. Expect Denver to jump on the Panthers early. The Broncos are at home and hungry to improve to two games over .500. Sure, Bo Nix hasn’t been great. But he is good enough to get Denver on the right foot out of the gates.
Broncos total touchdowns scored over 3.5: The Panthers have allowed 37 points during their four-game losing streak. They have also given up more passing and rushing touchdowns (13) than any other team. Denver should be able to cross the goal line quite a bit. Don’t be surprised if Nix throws a couple of touchdowns while Javonte Williams finds the end zone once again after scoring twice against the Saints.
Post predictions
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Broncos 31, Panthers 13
Every once in a while a game comes up at the right time and under the right circumstances that make it feel like a no-brainer. This is one of those. Denver’s not infallible by any stretch, but they’ve played well on defense and special teams most of the season and the run game has ramped up in recent weeks. Even two of those three should be enough to cruise past what, by the numbers, has been easily the worst team in the NFL. The Broncos better, too, because the schedule gets rugged in November.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Broncos 34, Panthers 13
The Broncos enter Sunday as heavy favorites, but that doesn’t mean Carolina should be overlooked. Denver should treat this game with the same intensity and enthusiasm as last week’s victory over the Saints. Given the next three weeks feature matchups against the Ravens, Chiefs and Falcons, Denver needs to punch the Panthers in the mouth early and not give them an ounce of momentum. The Broncos have shown the ability to take care of weaker opponents. Expect them to do so at home.
Troy Renck, columnist: Broncos 34, Panthers 14
For the past seven years, the Broncos have served as a get-right game for needy opponents. Finally, the roles have reversed. As bad as the Saints were, Carolina is worse. This game represents an opportunity for Denver to create momentum with a passing game they will need against Baltimore and Kansas City. Time for the Broncos to show they are legit. Creating a home-field advantage and beating bad teams remain necessary steps. Keep pounding them into submission. With Sean Payton boasting a 49-17 record in October, that is exactly what will happen.
Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 23, Panthers 13
Trap game? Probably. But this isn’t about winning for Carolina. Oh, no. It’s a chance to show Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders, up close, just how badly they need one of them. Or both. Fun fact: The previous eight times a Sean Payton team won by 17 or more points on the road, they went 7-1 the very next game and averaged 27 points per tilt in the process. It’s a TCB (Taking Care of Business) day for the orange and blue. And business is looking up.
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