The Denver Broncos enter Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season on a four-game winning streak, including victories over the defending champion Seahawks and the Chiefs, moving them to the top of the AFC West. They visit the Carolina Panthers as 2.5-point favorites, with the money line at Broncos -155 and Panthers +130, and an over/under of 44.5 points.
The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates each game 10,000 times, gives the Broncos a 63% chance to cover the spread, earning an 'A' grade. Denver's quarterback Bo Nix has not thrown an interception in five straight games, and rookie running back Jonah Coleman is emerging alongside JK Dobbins to exploit a Panthers run defense allowing 140.7 yards per game.
Carolina's offense has struggled recently, managing just 13 points against the Buccaneers and 19 against the Packers. Quarterback Bryce Young, running back Chuba Hubbard, and receiver Tetairoa McMillan face a Broncos secondary that is getting healthy again. The model suggests Denver's ability to control the clock and run the ball will be decisive.
