The Buffalo Bills are coming off a tough loss to the Atlanta Falcons on October 13 during Monday Night Football, falling 24-14. With this defeat, the Bills now hold a 4-2 record and sit in second place in the AFC East, trailing only the New England Patriots. It’s not the position they desire, and quarterback Josh Allen along with the team have used their bye week to reflect and prepare for what’s ahead.
### Upcoming Matchup: Bills vs. Panthers
The Bills’ next game is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, when they face off against the Carolina Panthers, who currently have a 4-3 record. The betting spread favors the Bills at -7, but opinions among NFL analysts are divided on the likely winner.
Jon Hoefling of USA Today points out in a Thursday, October 22 preview, “The Carolina Panthers have had a pretty stellar rushing attack recently, thanks to the emergence of Rico Dowdle. Now they get a Bills defense that has surrendered 5.8 yards per carry on the season (worst in the NFL)? Give me the Panthers all day.”
Lorenzo Reyes adds, “The Panthers have played fairly well, particularly at home, where they’re 3-0 against the spread. The Bills are coming off a bye, but their offense has been vulnerable, depending significantly on Josh Allen. I don’t know that the Panthers win, but I do think they keep this closer, as Buffalo has been overvalued all season long.”
### Referee Assigned: Craig Wrolstad
The NFL has announced that Craig Wrolstad will officiate the Bills vs. Panthers game, as reported by Football Zebras. Kevin Massare of the Bills Roundtable notes that Wrolstad has overseen several notable Bills games — some of which have been challenging for Buffalo.
Massare writes, “The Bills will see Craig Wrolstad officiating the game in Carolina. He officiated the Panthers’ 30-0 home win over the Falcons. He’s called holding 16 times this year in 7 weeks. He called KC for 0 two weeks ago. Home teams are 5-2 with him this season. Josh Allen is 3-5 with him.”
Regarding key moments under Wrolstad’s watch, Massare recalls “Allen vs Houston road rookie year (elbow injury)” which was a loss, “2019 NE loss (Allen concussion + 3 picks),” the “Hail Murray, Kyler Murray game” loss, “Bills OT loss to MIN (Josh fumbled snap at home),” and a “Rams road thriller last year,” all losses for Buffalo.
### Bills’ Current Standing & Analysis
Following the surprising defeat to the Falcons, the Bills have dropped in the NFL power rankings. According to Eric Edholm of the NFL’s official website, Buffalo is currently ranked ninth heading into Week 8, down from fifth the previous week.
Edholm comments, “What we know: Josh Allen isn’t playing at an MVP level, and other offensive pieces aren’t doing their part, either. For all the crying about a need for defensive help, I could make just as good a case Buffalo could use another receiver. Right now, the wideouts are neither winning enough one-on-one battles nor making enough game-changing plays. That’s a big worry for a team that’s trying to fight its way back into first place with a few tough games ahead.”
### Game Day Details
The Buffalo Bills will take the field on the road against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, October 26. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. Eastern time. Fans will be watching closely to see if the Bills can bounce back and solidify their standing in the AFC East.
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