4 keys to a shock Carolina Panthers victory at the Bills in Week 15

What are the keys behind a potentially huge upset for the Carolina Panthers at the Buffalo Bills in Week 15 of the 2021 season?

Heading into a daunting run of games down the stretch in such terrible form was not what the Carolina Panthers had in mind. They’ve enjoyed one of the league’s easiest schedules statistically through the first 14 weeks but now find themselves staring the NFL’s toughest stretch run in the face with a 5-8 record.

This is obviously bringing some incredible pressure on the likes of Matt Rhule, who is facing some intense speculation about his future unless the Panthers pull off a couple of upsets between now and the end of the campaign. Carolina has a chance to do just this at the Buffalo Bills in Week 15, who still harbor postseason ambitions despite some inconsistencies creeping into their overall performance this season.

The Panthers are 10.5-point underdogs for the contest according to the latest odds from WynnBET. If nothing else, this is proof as to the size of the task awaiting Carolina this weekend.

They have nothing to lose, which might be a good thing. Here are four keys to the Panthers pulling off a major upset at Highmark Stadium.

Key to Victory No. 1

Carolina Panthers must play with freedom

The Panthers need an absolute miracle to reach the postseason. So this takes the pressure off and it’s something they could potentially use to their advantage.

Buffalo is still fighting for a playoff berth at 7-6 with no real margin for error in a competitive AFC. They’ll know exactly what’s at stake, so if the Panthers can play with freedom and express themselves in a way we’ve not seen much lately, the better their chances will be.

Of course, this is easier said than done on the road in a freezing environment. But if the Panthers cannot do this right now, then it’s going to be a rough ride for the remainder of the campaign.