Predictions, Picks & Odds for Panthers vs Bills

• The Bills are 3-point favorites over the Panthers in NFL preseason action
• Buffalo and Carolina will play their starters for a portion of the contest
• Check out the top predictions, picks and odds for the Panthers vs Bills, below

The Buffalo Bills are set to break in a brand new stadium and what better way to do so than with Josh Allen and the starters on the field. Highmark Stadium will play host to its first NFL contest this afternoon when the Bills face the Carolina Panthers in preseason action, and both teams will trot out their number ones to start the game. Prediction markets and online sportsbooks believe that favors the Bills, as they’ve pegged Buffalo as field goal favorites in the latest NFL odds.

Personally, I’m staying away any side or moneyline wager for this contest, choosing to focus on the total instead. Below, you’ll find my top predictions and picks, as well as the latest odds for the Panthers vs Bills showdown.

Odds for Panthers vs Bills

Odds as of August 14, 2026. Claim your Caesars Sportsbook promo code now to get involved in NFL Preseason action.

As of Friday afternoon, the over/under varies from 38.5 to 39.5 depending on where you look. Commercial sportsbooks have under 39.5 juiced to -120 odds, but you can find the same line for the equivalent of -113 odds over at Kalshi.

Who’s Playing for Panthers vs Bills

Before we break down why I’m betting the under in this matchup, let’s run down who will be suiting up. On the Buffalo side, Allen, a top NFL MVP odds candidate, will be under center for new head coach Joe Brady, but it’s unclear for how long. He’ll have last year’s leading rusher James Cook and new number one wide receiver DJ Moore at his disposal, but Dalton Kincaid, a reliable target from last year is questionable with a hamstring injury. Behind Allen, is Kyle Allen and Shane Buechele at QB. Neither should give bettors too much confidence, although Kyle Allen at least has some NFL starting experience.

Defensively, the Bills are debuting a 3-4 defensive scheme, and have brought in five new starters. The team is currently dealing with injuries on that side of the ball, with C.J. Gardner Johnson getting carted off the field recently. DC Jim Leonhard has said he wants to get a good look at how his starters fare in the system, so there’s a chance they get a little bit more time than usual.

As for Carolina, Dave Canales will play his starters limited snaps after resting them in the Hall of Fame Game. That means Bryce Young will be showcased under center along with top wideout Tetairoa McMillan, but lead RB Chubba Hubbard will sit with an injury. Bettors looking to put too much trust in the Panthers 33 point outburst last week versus the Cardinals should proceed with caution. One, Buffalo is a top Super Bowl odds contender and will put up a much better fight defensively. Two, QB Haynes King, who accounted for three of the Panthers four touchdowns last week, is out with an injury.

On the defensive front, the Panthers will play their starters for a series or two, before the same two’s and three’s that got worked by Arizona take over.

Predictions and Picks for Panthers vs Bills

• Over 39.5 Points – No (53¢ at Kalshi)

I don’t expect Allen and Co. to be on the field much more than two series, and even if they score both times I’m not convinced this game can reach 40 points. Buffalo’s depth isn’t great, and the lack of Carolina depth is a big reason why I believe they’ll fall short of their NFL win totals. King gave the lifeless Panthers serious juice in the Hall of Fame Game, and without him the second and third string offense lacks the talent to sustain drives.

Reports out of Buffalo haven’t been glowing regarding the back-up QB spot, and without a reliable secondary option the Bills offense will fall short, either settling for field goals or punting the ball away. Expect a very conservative, run heavy approach from both sides once the starters exit, leading to our under ticket cashing.

Betting Splits for Panthers vs Bills

Moving over to the NFL public betting splits, where my under prediction appears to be a contrarian selection. As of the time of writing, just 36% of the total wagers are backing under 39.5 points. Those bets however, represent 41% of the over/under handle, suggesting big bettors, who are typically professional, see things similar to me.