Green Bay hosts Carolina at Lambeau Field in the Week 8 Thursday Night Football opener, with the Packers favored by 3.5 points. The game headlines a busy sports calendar that also includes three NBA matchups, 11 NHL games, and two college football contests on Thursday, October 29.
NFL: Panthers at Packers
Green Bay (4-3) aims to rebound from a 20-17 loss to Detroit, while Carolina (3-3) seeks recovery after a 43-13 defeat to Tampa Bay. Packers quarterback Jordan Love ranks second in the NFL with 1,958 passing yards. Running back Josh Jacobs debuted last week with 36 rushing yards and a 25-yard touchdown catch. The Panthers' defense allows 195.7 passing yards per game, sixth in the league. Green Bay has won 11 of 18 regular-season meetings, but Carolina won 16-13 at Lambeau last year on a late field goal. SportsLine's model projects the Packers covering the spread in 65% of simulations, while expert Zack Cimini backs Panthers receiver Jalen Coker over 61.5 receiving yards.
NBA: Kings at Pelicans
Both teams enter 0-4. New Orleans is favored by 5.5 points at home. The Pelicans have lost three games by fewer than seven points, while Sacramento's four losses have all been by eight or more. The Kings allow 125.5 points per game (second most) and score 107.8 (27th). New Orleans averages 116.3 points (12th). SportsLine's model gives the Pelicans a 66% cover probability with an "A" grade. Expert Mike Barner likes Kings center Domantas Sabonis to exceed 20.5 combined rebounds and assists (16.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists per game).
NHL: Canucks at Sharks
Vancouver (most goals allowed, 65) visits San Jose (tied for sixth-most allowed, 44) at 10 p.m. ET. Both offenses have struggled: the Canucks rank tied for 11th with 43 goals, the Sharks 19th with 36. Vancouver scored fewer than three goals in nine of its first 10 games before a 6-5 overtime win Tuesday. SportsLine's model favors the Under 6.5 total goals, hitting in over 62% of simulations with an "A" grade.
College Football: Florida Atlantic at North Texas
North Texas (43.1 points per game, second nationally) hosts Florida Atlantic (37.3, 17th) at 7:30 p.m. ET. Both teams have played high-scoring games recently, but the SportsLine model projects the Under 77.5 total points, hitting in over 85% of simulations. The teams combined for 78 points in their 2024 meeting.
