Week 8 of the NFL season brings us a Thursday Night Football showdown where both the Panthers and Packers are absolutely desperate to get back in the win column. Both squads are looking to “get back on track” after brutal Week 7 losses, and you know what that means: expect some fireworks. Carolina got blown out by the Buccaneers, a tough pill to swallow, while Green Bay heartbreakingly lost on the last kick of the game against the Lions. This game isn’t just about bouncing back, it’s about seeing which of these teams can really put up points when it counts.
Hubbard Is Back to Featured Back Status, Making it Count
Look, the Panthers offense in 2026 has been leaning heavily on Chuba Hubbard, and for good reason. After an “interesting time” over the last three seasons where he was the clear featured back in 2024, then split duties in a committee with Rico Dowdle in 2025, he’s back. Dowdle’s gone to Pittsburgh, and Hubbard is the main man again. He got that contract extension in 2024 for a reason, and he’s showing why he earned it. Through six games, the dude has put up 459 rushing yards, added 112 receiving yards, and hit the endzone six times already. The Panthers *love* to give him the ball near the goal line, and Hubbard is proving he can score any way you hand it to him. If Carolina wants to get back on track, you know they’re feeding Chuba.
Watson’s Big Money Deal vs. Recent Drought
On the other side of the field, we’ve got Christian Watson for the Packers, a guy who signed a whopping four-year extension worth up to $110.5 million. His ability to produce was never really the question; it was always that injury history that had critics raising eyebrows. But through eight weeks this season, Watson has delivered, stacking up 595 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He’s been the guy Jordan Love looks for when plays break down. Here’s the kicker though, and it’s a big one: Watson has failed to score in each of his last two games. Two straight games without a TD for your big-money receiver? That’s a rough look, especially heading into a matchup against what the source describes as a “tough Panthers secondary.” Love might be looking for him when things break down, but the production hasn’t been there lately.
Both these teams need to show up tonight. They’re both coming off losses, and both have playmakers who are either making good on their deals or starting to raise some serious questions. What we know for sure is that both these teams are “capable of scoring in bunches,” so get ready for some touchdowns.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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