Packers favored at home Thursday

The Green Bay Packers are projected to defeat the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night at Lambeau Field. Bookmakers list Green Bay as 3.5-point favorites for the matchup, which serves as the lead game for Thursday Night Football.

The Packers enter Week 8 with a 4-3 record, placing them in last position within the NFC North division. Their recent three-game winning streak was interrupted by a defeat against the Detroit Lions. Despite the loss, the team has maintained a competitive record against various opponents throughout the season.

The Panthers, currently holding a 3-3 record, lead the NFC South. Their offense has generated 26.5 points per game, but their defensive line has struggled to contain the ground game. Carolina allowed a league-high 5.2 yards per carry against opponents this season.

Carolina quarterback Bryce Young faces pressure on 44.3 percent of dropbacks against four or fewer rushers, a figure that leads the league. The Panthers lost starting right tackle Taylor Moton to a season-ending injury. In their most recent game, a 43-13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Young was sacked five times and faced pressure on 51.5 percent of his pass attempts.

Green Bay’s passing defense has recorded seven of its nine interceptions without using a blitz. This approach allows the defense to pressure the quarterback while maintaining coverage against a passing-heavy offense. Young has completed fewer than 55 percent of his passes in three of his last four starts.

The Packers’ rushing attack ranks last in the league with 2.9 yards per carry. Running back Josh Jacobs made his season debut last week and recorded 93 scrimmage yards and a receiving touchdown. He faces a Carolina defense that surrendered 258 rushing yards and three touchdowns to Tampa Bay last week.

Green Bay has allowed the second fewest expected points added per play over the last four weeks. The Packers won this matchup last year, 16-13, as 13.5-point favorites.