Denver Broncos at Carolina Panthers: Week 9 preview

The Denver Broncos (5-2) visit the Carolina Panthers (3-3) on Sun, Nov 8 · 1:00 PM ET. The line is Broncos −2.5 with a total of 44.5.
The Broncos offense ranks 23rd in EPA per play (−0.04); the Panthers defense ranks 20th (+0.02 allowed). Biggest Broncos edges: havoc rate, sack rate, EPA per designed run. The Panthers defense holds the edge in explosive pass rate, passing success rate, explosive play rate.
The Panthers offense ranks 12th in EPA per play (+0.05); the Broncos defense ranks 4th (−0.05 allowed). Biggest Panthers edges: EPA per designed run, explosive run rate. The Broncos defense holds the edge in passing success rate, opportunity rate, sack rate.
Blitz watch: the Panthers blitz on 37% of dropbacks (8th most), and the Broncos struggle against it (−0.19 EPA per dropback, 28th).
Luck check: the Broncos have been a bit lucky (+0.8 points per game from kicking and fumble luck).
Pace: projected for about 134 total snaps, 5 more than a typical game.
Weather: Cloudy, 59°F at kickoff (feels like 54°), 3% chance of rain, wind SE 4 mph gusting to 5.