Welcome to Week 7 of the 2026 NFL season. Thursday Night Football brings a pivotal Week 8 matchup to Lambeau Field as the Carolina Panthers (3-3) visit the Green Bay Packers (4-3), with both teams looking to bounce back from disappointing losses. Carolina was blown out 43-13 by Tampa Bay last week, while Green Bay fell 20-17 to Detroit after struggling to establish its running game. 

This article breaks down the key DFS plays, potential values, game-script considerations, and players to approach with caution as we look for the best ways to build competitive lineups for Thursday night.

Panthers vs. Packers DFS Picks & Preview: Thursday Night Football, 10/29

The Panthers’ biggest challenge will be protecting quarterback Bryce Young, who was sacked five times against the Buccaneers and faces a Packers defense that has excelled at generating pressure without blitzing. Carolina will need Young to get the ball out quickly and take advantage of opportunities downfield to wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. 

Meanwhile, Green Bay will look to exploit a Panthers defense that surrendered 258 rushing yards to Tampa Bay, making running back Josh Jacobs a potential difference-maker if the Packers can finally find consistency on the ground. Injuries could play a major role, too, with Carolina outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips ruled out and Green Bay wide receiver Matthew Golden listed as questionable.

The Packers have the home-field advantage, but their offensive line and inconsistent rushing attack leave room for Carolina to stay competitive. 

 

 

 

Panthers vs. Packers TNF Odds 

  • Spread:
    • Panthers +3.5 (-108)
    • Packers -3.5 (-112)
  • Money Line:
    • Panthers (+160)
    • Packers (-192)
  • Game Total:
    • Over 47.5 (-108)
    • Under 47.5 (-112)
 

 

NFL Weather: Panthers vs. Packers TNF, October 29th  

Weather conditions are expected to be cool and mostly clear, with temperatures around 55 degrees at kickoff and dropping into the upper 40s by the end of the game. Winds are forecast to remain relatively light at around 5 mph, with occasional stronger gusts, and the chance of rain is very low.

Panthers vs. Packers Injuries: Thursday Night Football Week 8

The Carolina Panthers will be without outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips (hamstring), starting left guard Damien Lewis (knee), cornerback Akayleb Evans (triceps/knee), and offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins III (ankle). Defensive tackle Bobby Brown III (hand) is listed as questionable. 

The Green Bay Packers will be without linebacker Zaire Franklin (shin), offensive lineman Travis Glover (knee), and center Sean Rhyan (ankle). Wide receiver Matthew Golden (shoulder/foot), defensive tackles Devonte Wyatt and Anthony Campbell (both ankle injuries), and edge rusher Brenton Cox Jr. (quadriceps) are all questionable. 

 

 

 

NFL Thursday Night Football DFS Picks: MVP/Captain

Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers - DraftKings: $10,000 | FanDuel: $12,400

Love enters the matchup averaging 279.7 passing yards per game and has thrown multiple touchdown passes in every game this season. Even with Jacobs back in the lineup, the Packers couldn't move the chains on the ground, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry. Jacobs' presence around the goal line could factor into Love's touchdown production, but Love should still have opportunities to convert and offers plenty of upside.  

Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers – DraftKings: $9,600 | FanDuel: $11,800

Until last week, Young had thrown for at least 280 yards in every game this season. Young struggled against Tampa Bay, taking five sacks and throwing two interceptions. Green Bay’s defense could have similar success, especially if the Packers generate consistent pressure. Overall, Young offers some tournament upside, but his matchup and protection issues make him a less reliable option than Love. 

Christian Watson, WR, Green Bay Packers - DraftKings: $9,800 | FanDuel: $10,200

Watson is coming off a five-catch, 57-yard performance on eight targets against Detroit, and he's already shown his explosive ceiling this season with a 143-yard, two-touchdown outing against Chicago. Watson's ability to turn a deep reception into a touchdown can create a difference-making fantasy performance. His overall outlook improves even further is Golden cannot play. 

Chuba Hubbard, RB, Carolina Panthers – DraftKings: $9,000 | FanDuel: $11,000

Hubbard has established himself as Carolina’s lead back, handling nearly 66% of the team’s carries. He rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown against Philadelphia in Week 6 and added 122 rushing yards and two touchdowns against Detroit in Week 4, demonstrating his ability to deliver explosive fantasy performances. The matchup is encouraging because Green Bay has been vulnerable to opposing running backs, especially in the red zone, giving Hubbard a path to a productive performance if Carolina can stay competitive. 

 

 

 

NFL Thursday Night Football DFS Picks: Core Plays

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers – DraftKings: $9,400 | FanDuel: $9,200

All four players listed in this section are also in consideration for the MVP/Captain spot in the lineup, as they have extremely high ceilings.  

McMillan has established himself as Bryce Young’s primary downfield target, recording 36 receptions for 511 yards and two touchdowns through six games. He's demonstrated significant upside, highlighted by a spectacular 192-yard, two-touchdown performance against Detroit in Week 4, followed by 86 receiving yards against Philadelphia in Week 6. Although his production dipped to 40 yards against Tampa Bay last week, McMillan’s target volume and ability to make explosive plays keep him firmly in consideration. 

Matthew Golden (if active), WR, Green Bay Packers - DraftKings: $8,400 | FanDuel: $10,000

Golden has recorded 36 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns on 69 targets this season, averaging 15.0 yards per catch, giving him meaningful big-play potential in Green Bay’s passing attack. However, Golden is officially questionable with shoulder and foot injuries after being limited in Wednesday’s practice, following two earlier days of non-participation. Be sure to confirm his official status before kickoff. 

Jalen Coker, WR, Carolina Panthers – DraftKings: $7,800 | FanDuel: $7,800

Coker is Young's clear number two option, as his 18.5% target share trails only McMillan. His size and ability to work across the field give him potential to contribute on intermediate routes and in contested-catch situations, particularly if Carolina falls behind and needs to increase its passing volume.

Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers - DraftKings: $8,800 | FanDuel: $8,600

Jacobs is still working his way back into game shape after missing the first six games of the season, and his Week 7 performance against Detroit was modest, with 36 rushing yards on 11 carries. His receiving involvement was encouraging, though, as he added five catches for 55 yards and a touchdown, giving him another route to fantasy production. The Panthers have struggled to contain opposing running backs, creating an opportunity for Jacobs to contribute on the ground and near the goal line.

 

 

 

NFL Thursday Night Football DFS Picks: Mid-Tier Plays

Tucker Kraft, TE, Green Bay Packers - DraftKings: $7,400 | FanDuel: $7,200

Kraft is coming off a productive Week 7 performance against Detroit, catching four of six targets for 48 yards and a touchdown. Through seven games, he has recorded 29 receptions for 297 yards and two touchdowns, receiving at least five targets in five consecutive games. Golden’s questionable status due to shoulder and foot injuries could also open up additional opportunities for Kraft if Golden is limited or inactive. 

Darren Waller, TE, Carolina Panthers – DraftKings: $5,400 | FanDuel: $5,600

Waller has played less than 46% of snaps this season, and his target volume has dipped in recent weeks. He did catch a 50-yard touchdown last week, but he also received only two targets. His limited target volume makes his weekly production volatile, and he's honestly overpriced for his recent role. 

 

 

 

NFL Thursday Night Football DFS Picks: Value Plays

Savion Williams, WR, Green Bay Packers - DraftKings: $4,400 | FanDuel: $3,400

Williams has emerged as Green Bay’s third receiver since returning from injury, catching all seven targets in his last two games for 79 receiving yards. He also recorded rushing attempts in both contests, giving him an additional way to contribute to the Packers’ offense. Williams played approximately 60% of Green Bay’s offensive snaps against Detroit in Week 7, and he would likely see a significant role increase if Golden is inactive. 

Tommy Tremble, TE, Carolina Panthers – DraftKings: $2,600 | FanDuel: $4,400

Tremble demonstrated his upside in Week 6 against Philadelphia, catching all four targets for 46 yards and two touchdowns, but he followed that performance with just one reception against Tampa Bay in Week 7. He has a very similar role to Waller, and he is cheaper on both sites. 

MarShawn Lloyd, RB, Green Bay Packers - DraftKings: $3,800 | FanDuel: $4,800

Lloyd has seen limited but consistent opportunities in Green Bay’s offense, recording six carries for 20 yards and two receptions for 15 yards against Detroit in Week 7. Carolina’s recent struggles against the run could create openings, but Jacobs remains the more established option, making Lloyd’s touch volume difficult to trust. He is nothing more than a large-field tournament flier with Jacobs back in the mix. 

 

 

 

TNF DFS Picks: Kickers & D/ST

Trey Smack struggled in Green Bay’s Week 7 loss to Detroit, missing two field goals, including a short 26-yarder and a crucial 4th-quarter attempt that was partially blocked. He is now just 11-of-16 on field goal attempts, with four of his misses coming in the last three games. 

Ryan Fitzgerald has been perfect on field-goal attempts this season, converting all 11 attempts, but he has made just 12-of-17 extra point attempts. His appeal depends on Carolina sustaining drives and reaching field-goal range, especially if the Panthers struggle to finish possessions with touchdowns. 

Packers D/ST enters the matchup leading the NFL with nine interceptions and ranking among the league’s best teams in total takeaways, giving the defense meaningful fantasy upside through interceptions, fumble recoveries, and defensive touchdowns. 

Panthers D/ST is coming off a difficult 43-13 loss to Tampa Bay, during which the defense struggled to contain the run and create stops. The matchup against Love and Green Bay’s passing attack presents another challenge, although the Packers’ offensive-line injuries could give Carolina opportunities to generate pressure and disrupt drives.

 

 

 

Panthers vs. Packers DFS Player Pool: TNF, 10/29 

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