The Carolina Panthers and Detroit Lions meet Sunday in week 5 NFL action at Ford Field. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
Carolina Panthers Betting Preview
The Carolina Panthers are still looking for their first win of the season. The Panthers look to avoid their first 0-5 start since 2010 when they won 2 games on the year. Bryce Young is completing 65 percent of his passes for 503 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Adam Thielen and DJ Chark Jr. have combined for 416 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, while Terrace Marshall Jr. has 16 receptions. The Carolina Panthers ground game is averaging 95.3 yards per contest, and Miles Sanders leads the way with 158 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Carolina is allowing 25.5 points and 313 yards per game. Vonn Bell leads the Carolina Panthers with 24 tackles, Brian Burns has 3 sacks and Deion Jones has 1 interception.
Carolina Panthers Team Facts
- The Panthers have lost each of their last eight games when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- The Panthers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six road games following a home loss.
- The Panthers have won the first quarter in three of their last four October games as underdogs.
- The Panthers have scored the first touchdown in six of their last eight games as underdogs against NFC North opponents.
- The Panthers have lost the first half in seven of their last eight road games against NFC North opponents.
Detroit Lions Betting Preview
The Detroit Lions for their second home win to improve to 4-1 on the season. The Lions have won 5 of their last 7 home games. Jared Goff is completing 69.5 percent of his passes for 1,029 yards, 6 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta have combined for 473 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, while Josh Reynolds has 12 receptions. The Detroit Lions ground game is averaging 136.5 yards per contest, and David Montgomery leads the way with 262 yards and 5 touchdowns. Defensively, Detroit is allowing 20.8 points and 280.5 yards per game. Jerry Jacobs leads the Detroit Lions with 25 tackles, Aidan Hutchinson has 3.5 sacks and Brian Branch has 1 interception.
Detroit Lions Team Facts
- The Lions have lost each of their last nine games in October.
- The Lions have failed to cover the spread in each of their last eight home games in October.
- The Lions have won the first half in each of their last seven Sunday games at Ford Field.
- The Lions have scored the first touchdown in 13 of their last 16 games as home favorites against NFC opponents.
- The Lions have lost the first quarter in three of their last four games as heavy favorites (>-7.0 points).
Matchup/League Facts
- The Lions ranked 32nd in the NFL in yards allowed per game (392.4) last season
- The Lions ranked 1st in the NFC North for points scored per game last season (26.6)
- The Panthers ranked 29th in the NFL in yards per game (306.2) last season
- The Panthers ranked 29th in the NFL in passing yards per game (176.2) last season
Randy’s Pick
The Carolina Panthers just aren’t ready to win at this stage, and they’ve looked bad in two previous road games, where they’re losing by an average of 12 points. The Detroit Lions have had extra time to prepare for this contest after playing last Thursday, and they have the offensive firepower to give a below average Carolina defense fits. The Lions defense is also first against the run, so it’s going to be even tougher for that Panthers offense and rookie quarterback Bryce Young. Give me the Lions in a home blowout.
