The Green Bay Packers (5-1-1)—riding high after their second-half eruption in a prime-time win over the Steelers—host the Carolina Panthers (4-4) in Week 9 at Lambeau, where stakes are as high as the Wisconsin chill. Green Bay is firmly atop the NFC North, seeking their best stretch of form since their division-winning season in 2021. Carolina, meanwhile, is clawing for relevance; this marks their first time at .500 in over four seasons and every loss or win now carries playoff reverberations. Carolina’s situation is shakier than road ice. Bryce Young, who had strung together three straight wins, suffered a high ankle sprain against the Jets and missed the following week’s destruction at the hands of Buffalo. But as of Wednesday, Young was a full participant in practice and is expected to start, a boost for a fragile offense already dealing with injuries to its offensive line—most notably to Brady Christensen, Cade Mays, and Taylor Moton. Backup Andy Dalton’s experience offers stability, but not the flash Green Bay's defense will be ready for. The betting market has leaned hard into Green Bay. Early lines opened with the Packers favored by nearly two touchdowns—currently around -12.5 points—with an over/under near 43.5, implying a lower-scoring affair if Carolina can grind enough to keep it respectable. Green Bay’s defense, among the league’s stingiest, especially in the pass rush, appears poised to smother a Panthers’ offense already hamstrung by missing starters. But if Carolina generates explosive plays and Young is sharp despite his ankle, they could keep this within reach. For Green Bay, a win extends the hot streak and solidifies title talk; for Carolina, the downside is spiraling back into mediocrity. Sunday’s result could be the difference between hope and heartbreak.