The Denver Broncos enter Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season as arguably the hottest team in the league, having won four consecutive games to move to the top of the AFC West standings. Two of those victories came against the defending-champion Seahawks and the Chiefs, who again look like contenders. Denver will aim to extend its streak when it visits the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
According to odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, the Broncos are listed at -155 on the money line, while the Panthers are +130. The spread sits at Broncos -2.5, and the over/under is set at 44.5 points (Over -102, Under -118).
Denver's passing game remains in flux with quarterback Bo Nix showing inconsistencies, though he has taken better care of the football. Nix has not thrown an interception in five straight games, and the Broncos have won four of those contests. The defense is getting healthier and, despite allowing 20.6 points per game, is shutting down opponents through the air. Rookie running back Jonah Coleman is showing signs of life, potentially forming a capable tandem with JK Dobbins to exploit a Carolina run defense that entered Week 9 allowing 140.7 yards per game on the ground.
Carolina's defensive struggles are a departure from last season, when the team still needed help to win the NFC South with a losing record. Quarterback Bryce Young, running back Chuba Hubbard, and wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan appeared to be taking a step forward offensively with a primetime win over the Lions in Week 4, but the past two weeks have been disappointing. The Panthers managed just 13 points against the Buccaneers and needed a late score to reach 19 points against the Packers on Thursday. Denver's defense presents a significant challenge, and there is a possibility Young and the offense may see limited field time if the Broncos control the clock against a poor Panthers run defense.
The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, has the Broncos covering the spread in 63% of simulations, earning an 'A' grade. The model entered Week 9 on a 60-51 run on top-rated picks dating back to 2024. Denver's ability to maintain possession and run the ball benefits them tremendously in this matchup, given Carolina's inability to stop the run. Even though the Panthers are at home, the Broncos are playing better and hold the favorable matchup.
