NFL: Panthers vs Lions - Odds, Prediction & Picks

Winners of eight of their last 10 games dating back to last season, the Lions host the Carolina Panthers Sunday at Ford Field at 1 p.m. looking to stay atop the NFC North Division. Detroit has revenge on their mind after getting blown out by Carolina last Christmas Eve 37-23 costing them a playoff spot. Carolina is 0-4, one of two winless teams in the NFL and is starting rookie quarterback Bryce Young, who was the No. 1 pick in the last NFL Draft.

Odds provided by DraftKings.

Lions

The Lions defense ranks No. 1 against the run in the NFL but is 18th against the pass. Seattle had success throwing against Detroit in the Lions only loss so far in 2023. Lions rookie TE Sam LaPorta has set an NFL record for most receptions and receiving yards by a tight end through their first four games.

Injury Report: Wednesday’s injury report for the Lions was long, but most players are expected to go on Sunday. CB Brian Branch, RB Jason Cabinda, OL Frank Ragnow, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, OL Taylor Decker, DB Kerby Joseph, DB Emmanuel Moseley, LB Julian Okwara, WR Josh Reynolds, OL Halapoulivaatl Valtal.

Panthers

The Panthers are starting over with new coach Frank Reich, who had good years in Indianapolis. Their offense ranks 25th in total yards per game and they’ve given up 14 sacks. Star linebacker Brian Burns has 41 sacks in his career. Former Viking Adam Thielen is the Panthers top wide receiver with 287 yards and two touchdowns. He’s in his 10th year.

Injury Report: Panthers quarterback Bryce Young came back after missing Week 3. The Panthers injury report Wednesday was: DB Xavier Woods, LB Justin Houston, LB Claudin Cherelus, CB Donte Jackson, LB Frankie Luvu, TE Giovanni Ricci, RB Miles Sanders, DT DeShawn Williams, OL Austin Corbett, TE Stephen Sullivan.

• The Lions are favored by 10 points, this is the biggest point spread in favor of the Lions since Week 15 of 2021 when they were favored by 13 points over the Cardinals. The Lions won – and covered – that week.
• Lions WR Jameson Williams is back in the line-up after serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policy. Williams played in six games last year, but was a disappointment with only one catch.
• The Panthers lead the all-time series 8-3. They’re trying to avoid going 0-5 for the first time since 2010.

Carolina is 0-4 against the spread this season, while the Lions are 3-1, matching their straight-up record. On paper, this looks like a Lions rout. The Panthers offensive line is poor and have allowed 14 sacks, so Lions defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson and company must be licking their chops.

Young only lost four games as a starter at Alabama, and already his team has lost four games. Young is mobile, but has struggled like most rookie quarterbacks. The Panthers haven’t helped him out much though. They brought in running back Miles Sanders from the Eagles and he’s only averaged 2.9 yards a carry.

Things are great in Detroit. David Montgomery had three TD and 121 yards in the win over the Packers, Jared Goff threw an early pick, but shook it off and continued his excellent play. Carolina does have the ability to rush the passer, but that’s about it.

I’ve whiffed on the Lions all season and 10 points is a lot to give in the NFL when the average margin of victory is around eight points. Still, it’s hard to see Carolina giving Detroit too much trouble.

I’ve whiffed on the Lions all season and 10 points is a lot to give in the NFL when the average margin of victory is around eight points. Still, it’s hard to see Carolina giving Detroit too much trouble.

DraftKings Lions +10