Week 9 Matchup: Carolina Must Defeat Green Bay To Set Up For Playoff Position
Mid-season battle here as the Carolina Panthers (4-4) travel to Green Bay to face the Packers (5-1-1) at Lambeau Field. For Carolina, this game offers an opportunity to build on a terrible loss to the Bills; for Green Bay, it’s about solidifying their position at the top of the NFC.
Panthers: Have to bounce back
The Panthers will enter this game fresh off a crushing 40-9 home loss to the Buffalo Bills, which snapped their three-game win streak and exposed major vulnerabilities. One of Carolina’s bright spots is their defense, which has improved, but the offense remains a concern. The Panthers currently rank 26th in passing yards coming into Week 9 of the 2025 season.
Bryce Young is hopeful to return after missing the Bills game (he’s reportedly day-to-day after his ankle injury). Facing a top-tier defense in Green Bay (which ranks 12th in sacks) means the Panthers must tighten up their execution and protect their quarterback. If not, this will be another beating similar to the Bills.
Packers: Building something serious in Green Bay
Green Bay has been one of the most complete teams in the league so far, with an aggressive defense led by Micah Parsons. The Packers showed their depth and resiliency in their 35-25 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers. On offense, tight end Tucker Kraft has emerged as a standout, and on defense, Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary are wreaking havoc on opposite offenses. Green Bay has home-field advantage and more consistency right now, and they’ll look into exploiting Carolina’s shaky offensive line and Young’s injury.
Key Matchups & Storylines
QB health and mobility: If Bryce Young isn’t fully ready to go, Carolina’s offense will be one-dimensional and predictable with Dalton.
Pass rush vs. protection: With Parsons and Gary pressuring, Carolina’s line will be tested constantly.
Tight end advantage: Kraft has become a primary target for Green Bay, and Carolina’s defense must account for him.
Momentum vs. consistency: Carolina needs to regain confidence after their loss, while Green Bay wants to maintain its upward trajectory in the NFC.
Carolina has to get back on track and into the win column, as they currently sit second in their division, behind the Buccaneers. With Young coming back and Rico Dowdle officially named the starting running back, the momentum needs to come back to the Queen City for a Wild Card push later in the season. Defeating a team like the Packers will give Carolina all the fuel it needs to press forward.