Bold predictions for Thursday Night Football in NFL Week 8

Thursday night’s matchup in NFL Week 8 features the Carolina Panthers visiting the Green Bay Packers. The teams are having similar production this season with three losses each. Carolina is sitting atop the NFC South while Green Bay is at the bottom of a tough NFC North division.

>The game has the makings of an offensive struggle as both defenses have fared well against opposing offenses. Here are four bold predictions for Thursday Night Football.

>MORE:Bold predictions for Week 8 of 2026 NFL season

Following Thursday Night Football, Green Bay moves on from rookie kicker Trey SmackGreen Bay Packers kicker Trey Smack (28) attempts a field goal against Detroit Lions during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Selected in the 6th round of April’s draft, rookie kicker Trey Smack has been brutal. He ranks 28th in field goal percentage (68.8%) and has missed kicks in crucial situations. His issues have moved into point-after-touchdown tries. His time with the Packers is coming to an end, and the team will move on following Thursday Night Football.

>Prediction: Rookie kicker Trey Smack misses two costly field goal tries. On Friday morning, the team will release Smack from the roster.

Green Bay running back Josh Jacobs will have 100 yards rushing and one touchdownDec 7, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn ImagesJosh Jacobs had modest success last weekend. He was trying to get acclimated to game speed during his first game of the season. Thursday night’s matchup will be his breakout game against a Carolina defense allowing the most rushing yards per game. The Packers will feed the football to Jacobs early and often.

>Prediction: Josh Jacobs will take advantage of Carolina’s inability to prevent big gains, finishing Thursday Night Football with 100 yards rushing and his first touchdown of the season.

>MORE:NFL power rankings Week 8: All 32 teams ranked worst to first

Carolina running back Chuba Hubbard will reach 100 yards rushing and score two touchdownsSep 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) scores a touchdown during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesHubbard has produced respectable numbers this season. The Packers’ defense has been better at stopping the pass compared to stopping opposing running backs. The Panthers will put an emphasis on their running game, and Chuba Hubbard will flourish throughout the night. This will be the third game, in four weeks, that Hubbard amasses 100 yards rushing.

>Prediction: Carolina running back Chuba Hubbard will exploit Green Bay on the ground, totaling 100 yards rushing and finding the end zone twice.

The Panthers will win Thursday night’s contest 27-24Oct 18, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn ImagesThursday Night Football will feature multiple scoring drives, but neither team will ever lead by more than 10 points. The game will enter the fourth quarter with a 24-24 tie. Following multiple three-and-outs, the Panthers will possess the football with two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Bryce Young will drive the team up the field, allowing kicker Ryan Fitzgerald to seal the team’s victory.

>Prediction: Thursday night’s contest will be close, entering the fourth quarter tied. Carolina will have the final possession of the game, with kicker Ryan Fitzgerald nailing a 50-yard field goal as time expires.

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