[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
The Carolina Panthers (0-4) and the Detroit Lions (3-1) meet for a Week 5 matchup Sunday at Ford Field in Detroit. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Panthers vs. Lions odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
The Panthers suffered a 21-13 setback against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4, failing to cover a 4-point number. Things got off to a good start, as S Sam Franklin had a 99-yard pick-6 to give Carolina the early lead. However, after leading 13-7 at halftime, the Panthers were outscored 14-0 in the 2nd half, with DL D.J. Wonnum posting a 51-yard scoop and score to turn the tide.
The Lions posted a 34-20 victory at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers last Thursday, so Detroit has had 2 additional days to rest and prepare for the winless Panthers. Overall, the Lions are 3-1 against the spread (ATS), and Detroit hasn’t lost in regulation this season.
These teams met last season on Christmas Eve, with the Panthers posting a 37-23 win as a 2.5-point underdog. In fact, the underdog is a perfect 4-0 SU/ATS in the past 4 meetings in this series.
FOOTBALL NEVER STOPS
Live games, analysis and more 7 days a week: Get ESPN+
Panthers at Lions odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 4:38 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Panthers +385 (bet $100 to win $385) | Lions -500 (bet $500 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Panthers +9.5 (-112) | Lions -9.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Panthers at Lions key injuries
Panthers
- OG Austin Corbett (knee) out
- CB Donte Jackson (shoulder) questionable
- TE Stephen Sullivan (hip) out
- FS Xavier Woods (hamstring) out
Lions
- CB Brian Branch (ankle) out
- FB Jason Cabinda (knee) out
- OT Taylor Decker (ankle) questionable
- RB Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) questionable
- FS Kerby Joseph (hip) questionable
- TE James Mitchell (hamstring) doubtful
- DB Emmanuel Moseley (hamstring, knee) questionable
- LB Julian Okwara (shoulder) questionable
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (abdomen) doubtful
- WR Josh Reynolds (groin) questionable
- OG Halapoulivaati Vaitai (knee) questionable
- WR Jameson Williams (not injury related) questionable
Panthers at Lions picks and predictions
Prediction
Lions 31, Panthers 16
Moneyline
Detroit (-500) will cost you 5 times your potential return. While Carolina (+385) has seldomly resembled an NFL-caliber team in the first 4 weekends of the season, that’s still way too much risk for not enough reward backing the Lions at this exorbitant of a price.
PASS, and look to the spread instead.
Against the spread
DETROIT -9.5 (-110) is a strong play at home, even with a rather lengthy injury report, and the likely event St. Brown, the team’s best receiver, will be sidelined. While double-digit favorites are risky business in the NFL, it’s unlikely Carolina +9.5 (-110) offers much resistance in this feline battle in the Motor City even against a shorthanded Lions side.
The Lions are a solid 3-1 ATS in 4 games overall, while averaging 25.5 points per game (PPG) in 2 home outings. The Panthers have scored 17 or fewer points in 3 of their 4 games, and the only time it exceeded that mark was when backup QB Andy Dalton filled in for an injured QB Bryce Young in Week 3 in Seattle.
Over/Under
OVER 43.5 (-115) is the lean, but go very lightly.
The Panthers have cashed the Under in 3 of 4 games, but the defense has yielded 20 or more points in each outing this season. The Lions should continue to add to their woes.
The Lions have scored 31 or more points in 2 of the past 3 games, cashing the Over in each of those outings. Detroit should roll up some solid yardage and point totals against the hapless Carolina side.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
Access more NFL coverage:
TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]