Panthers Claw Past Packers in Stunning 16-13 Upset
November 4, 2025
The Green Bay Packers have made a case as one of the best teams in the NFL this season, but have also had some head scratchers. After early wins over the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders, the Packers have quietly been near the top of the NFC North.
However, the Packers have played down to the level of their competition, leading to inexplicable losses against the Cleveland Browns and more recently, the Carolina Panthers. Both the Browns and Panthers beat the Packers at home, with last-second field goals.
The Panthers have been alright this season, posting a 5-4 record after a 16-13 win over the Packers. Bryce Young posted just 102 yards passing with an interception, but the real hero of the Panther offense has been former Dallas Cowboy Rico Dowdle. Dowdle was a backup at the beginning of the season, but has roared into the starting role over Chuba Hubbard, posting 130 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Dowdle has been one of the best running backs in the NFL over the past few weeks, posting over 300 yards in the past three weeks.
This game presents interesting questions for both teams: the Packers probably stand pat at Wednesday’s trade deadline. The Packers made their big trade splash prior to the season, trading for All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons.
Meanwhile, the Panthers could make a play for a receiver, or defensive help at the deadline. There are a few options the Panthers could target, such as the Las Vegas Raiders’ Jakobi Myers or Chimere Dike of the Tennessee Titans. It will likely come down to the wire for both teams, but the Panthers could be more likely to make more of a play for someone at the deadline.
Can the Packers overcome their losses to lesser competition, and continue to show themselves as Super Bowl contenders for now and the near future? I believe they can, but they have to overcome injuries to key players like Tucker Kraft and see how the defense responds to this loss.
Brandon, Author
Brandon spends his days managing a plumbing warehouse and his nights obsessing over the Broncos — and somehow still finds time to write for Broncos Wire. A diehard fan with orange and blue running through his veins, he’s currently training his toddler to boo the Chiefs on sight. Insightful, loyal, and just petty enough to be entertaining, Brandon brings the fandom fire every week.
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