Panthers Limp Into Buffalo for Preseason Opener—Bills' Depth on Display

The Panthers trek north to Orchard Park for what promises to be a lopsided preseason affair, and let's be honest—Carolina's roster is a mess right now. Buffalo enters this one as heavy favorites, and for good reason. The Bills have spent the offseason retooling their depth chart while the Panthers are still trying to figure out what they are post-rebuild. This is August football, so starters will see limited action, but even Buffalo's second and third-stringers should handle business against a Carolina squad lacking talent across the board.

The Bills' coaching staff will use this as a glorified scrimmage to evaluate fringe roster spots, particularly along the offensive line and in the secondary. Meanwhile, the Panthers are trotting out a collection of camp bodies and practice squad hopefuls who'll be lucky to make any NFL roster come September. Carolina's offense has been anemic in camp reports, and their defense isn't scaring anyone either.

Buffalo's home-field advantage means nothing in preseason, but their organizational depth does. Expect the Bills to control tempo, win the line of scrimmage, and cruise to an easy victory. This one's about as close to a gimme as you'll find in exhibition season. Buffalo covers whatever spread the books throw out there.