The Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers showdown is creating quite a stir as both teams tackle the ups and downs of the 2024 NFL season. With several major roster changes shaking things up, fans are curious about how these shifts will impact the upcoming game. 

Will the Broncos' new players find their rhythm? 

Can the Panthers turn their season around? 

As these two teams prepare to clash, early predictions hint at an exciting matchup that could surprise everyone. 

Ex-Broncos Players Facing Tough Times

Former Denver Broncos players are not having the best time this season after leaving the team. Players like Josey Jewell and Shelby Harris are struggling on their new teams, facing challenges they likely didn’t expect. The 2024 NFL season hasn’t been kind to some of these former Broncos, and their decisions to leave Denver may not be paying off as hoped.

Now, with the Carolina Panthers, Josey Jewell has found himself on a defense that is ranked last in the league. Despite being a key player, his team is allowing 33 points per game, leaving him in a tough spot. Shelby Harris, on the Cleveland Browns, is also struggling as his team battles one of the worst quarterback situations in the league.

Other former Broncos like Lloyd Cushenberry and Jonathan Harris are also facing difficulties. Cushenberry’s Tennessee Titans are off to a rough start, and Jonathan Harris hasn’t even seen the field with the Miami Dolphins. These players, once part of Denver’s defense, are now struggling to find success in 2024.

Panthers' Defense in Trouble

The Carolina Panthers’ defense is struggling this season, and it’s showing in the rankings. Despite having talented players and a familiar coach, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, the team has the worst-ranked defense in the NFL. Allowing an average of 33 points per game, they are facing immense pressure to turn things around.

A critical factor in their defensive struggles has been inconsistency. Players like Josey Jewell, who joined the team in 2024, have not been able to make a significant impact. The team also recently added former Broncos safety Caden Sterns, hoping he could bring some much-needed help. However, Sterns has battled injuries in recent seasons, which raises questions about how much he can contribute.

The Panthers' defense is failing to stop opposing offenses, putting them in a difficult spot. If the team wants to improve, it will need better performances from its key defensive players and a quicker adjustment from its new additions like Sterns. For now, it remains under heavy pressure to improve.

Key Players to Watch

As the Denver Broncos face off against the Carolina Panthers, several key players will play a major role in the game's outcome. For the Broncos, quarterback Bo Nix has been an excellent performer, throwing for 866 yards this season. While he has faced some challenges with four interceptions, his three touchdown passes show his potential to make big plays. Nix's ability to connect with his teammates could be crucial in securing a win.

Running back Javonte Williams is another player to keep an eye on. Though he has not scored a rushing touchdown yet, he has gained 190 yards on the ground in five games. Williams’ strength and speed make him a threat every time he touches the ball, and he could be key in establishing the Broncos’ running game against the Panthers' defense. His performance may determine how well the Broncos can control the tempo.

On the Panthers’ side, Chuba Hubbard has emerged as a key player with 393 rushing yards and two touchdowns in five games. His ability to find openings and break tackles makes him a vital asset to the Panthers’ offense. Quarterback Andy Dalton also has been a strong performer, passing for 675 yards and five touchdowns in just four games. With talented receivers like Diontae Johnson, who has 23 catches for 262 yards, the Panthers have the tools to create scoring opportunities. Fans should watch these players closely, as they could make a big impact in this highly anticipated matchup.

Notable Roster Changes

Roster changes can make a big difference in how a team performs during the season. Recently, the Carolina Panthers made headlines by claiming safety Caden Sterns off waivers from the Denver Broncos. Sterns, who is only 24 years old, previously played under Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero when both were with the Broncos. Although Sterns has faced injury troubles, he brings experience to the Panthers' secondary, which is important since they recently lost Sam Franklin to a broken foot.

Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos have also been busy with their roster. On October 12, 2024, they placed wide receiver Josh Reynolds and center Luke Wattenberg on injured reserve due to injuries. This means they will miss at least four games, which puts pressure on the team's depth. To fill these gaps, the Broncos activated running back Audric Estime and promoted safety Tanner McCalister from the practice squad, aiming to strengthen their lineup as they approach crucial games.

These majoir roster moves are worth watching as they unfold. These changes could shape the Broncos' and Panthers' performance in the upcoming weeks, especially with their head-to-head matchup in Week 8. Fans will be eager to see how these players adjust to their new roles and if they can help their teams turn their seasons around.

Early Predictions: Broncos vs Panthers

As Week 8 approaches, all eyes are on the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers as they prepare to face off in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Set to take place at Empower Field at Mile High; this game could be a pivotal moment for both teams as they look to turn their seasons around. Early predictions suggest that the Broncos have the edge, with experts giving them a 62% chance of winning.

The Panthers, however, won't go down easily. Despite their struggles on defense, they still have offensive weapons that could make things difficult for Denver. Quarterback play and defensive adjustments will be key for both teams. Broncos fans are hopeful that their team can build on recent successes, while Panthers supporters are looking for a breakout performance to shake off their tough start.

With both teams having much to prove, this Week 8 game could be closer than expected. The Broncos might be slight favorites, but the Panthers will aim to surprise, making this an intriguing contest that could go down to the wire. Fans should be ready for an intense battle on October 27.

Conclusion

As the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers gear up for their exciting clash on October 27, fans can expect a thrilling game filled with drama and determination. With both teams eager to prove themselves, this matchup promises to deliver action-packed moments and memorable plays. Don’t miss out on the fun—grab your tickets and head to Empower Field at Mile High to witness the excitement live!

Whether you’re cheering for the Broncos or the Panthers, this is a game you won't want to miss and make your prediction at Fanatics Sportbook!