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Packers Suffer Biggest Vegas Upset Since 1970 After Loss to Panthers
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- Packers Suffer Biggest Vegas Upset Since 1970 After Loss to Panthers
Last Sunday's last-second loss to the Carolina Panthers ranks among the worst defeats in Green Bay Packers history — at least according to Las Vegas .
Jordan Love and the Packers entered as 13.5-point favorites over Bryce Young and the surging Panthers. However, Carolina not only covered the spread but stunned Green Bay on kicker Ryan Fitzgerald 's game-winning 49-yard field goal as time expired.
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As a result, ESPN reported that Sunday's finish is tied for the biggest upset in Packers history since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger based on point spread data.
Carolina secured the win despite totaling only 265 yards of offense. Most of that production came from running back Rico Dowdle , who continued his breakout campaign with 130 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries.
"That's life in this league, right?" Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. "You're going to face some adversity. Not everything's going to go your way.
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Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers seek their sixth postseason appearance in seven yearsTork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
"Certainly, we're disappointed, absolutely, but we're going to take a look at it, we're going to own it, and we're going to learn from it, and we're going to move on," LaFleur added . "That's what you have to do."
The biggest upset in modern NFL history, at least from a point-spread standpoint, is widely believed to be Washington 's 24–17 victory over Dallas on Dec. 3, 1995. The then-Redskins closed as 17.5-point underdogs before upsetting the Cowboys in Dallas.
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More recently, the 0–13 New York Jets were 17-point underdogs against the Los Angeles Rams in December 2020. The Jets nonetheless pulled off a 23–20 win, avoiding what would have been the franchise's first 0–16 season.
What's Next for the Packers After Losing to the Panthers?
The 5-2-1 Packers remain atop the NFC North despite losing to Carolina, and NFL Media gives Green Bay an 82% chance to reach the postseason. Those are the worst odds of any NFC division leader, trailing the Philadelphia Eagles (97%), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (93%), and Seattle Seahawks (86%).
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If the season ended today, the Packers would be the NFC's No. 4 seed and host the 6-2 Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card Round. Green Bay is seeking its third consecutive playoff appearance and sixth postseason berth in seven years.
The Packers will be without third-year tight end Tucker Kraft for the remainder of the season after he tore his ACL against Carolina. Kraft, who had become one of Love's favorite targets, recorded 32 receptions for 489 yards and six touchdowns, with 22 of those catches resulting in first downs.
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The FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Packers as 2.5-point home favorites (-110; bet $100 for a $190.91 payout) over the Eagles as of Tuesday afternoon. FanDuel also gives the Packers +1000 odds (bet $100 for a $1,100 payout) to win Super Bowl 60.
The Packers have not reached the Super Bowl since defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers after the 2010 season.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
