The Buffalo Bills are fresh off their bye week.
All week, topics and storylines have been discussed ahead of this cross-conference clash. In the end, regardless of what is said by players, coaches, media outlets and fans, it always comes down to what unfolds on the field in the NFL.
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And once it’s game time, there will be a few particular things to look out for.
With that, here are five things to watch for during the Bills (4-2) versus the Carolina Panthers (4-3) clash in Week 8:
McDermott confidence after the bye
Bills Kendall Williamson and DeShawn Williams tackle Panthers ball carrier Chuba Hubbard during the first half of the preseason game against Carolina Panthers at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Aug. 24, 2024.
The Buffalo Bills are in need of a win after losing two games before their bye weekend off. The bye could be the trick based on history.
Head coach Sean McDermott has never lost a game in Buffalo coming off a bye. He was hired in 2017. Does that continue?
Aug 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14) and quarterback Bryce Young (9) watch from the sidelines during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
What type of quarterback do the Bills face on Sunday? Starter Bryce Young appears to be doubtful as he sustained a high-ankle sprain last week. That means backup Andy Dalton would be the starter.
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Can the Bills make sure they are ready for whoever starts against them? Young has technically not been ruled out.
Defensive reinforcements?
Jun 11, 2025; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Maxwell Hairston (31) works out during Minicamp at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
It’s unclear if first-round rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston (knee) will play just yet. His injured reserve practice window has been opened by the Bills.
What is certain is the debuts of defensive linemen Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi are coming. They are back from their suspensions. What do they bring to the table?
New healthy life help?
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 31: Ezekiel Elliott #15 of the New England Patriots carries the ball past Terrel Bernard #43 of the Buffalo Bills during the second half of the game at Highmark Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Rich Barnes/Getty Images)
Along with those potential additions, players that were already in the fold earlier this season could either return or just have less bumps and bruises. Getting starting linebackers Matt Milano (pectoral) and Terrel Bernard (oblique) back would be big defensive boosts. Tight end Dalton Kincaid (oblique) is considered the same for the offense.
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How about Cook?
Oct 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) takes on Atlanta Falcons safety Xavier Watts (31) during the first half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
A huge pre-bye week question was the usage of running back James Cook. Will he get involved more?
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Bills at Panthers: 5 things to watch during Week 8 game