Panthers at Lions: Preview, prediction, odds and pick

The Carolina Panthers will head to Detroit on Sunday in Week 5 to take on the Lions in a matchup of two 3-1 NFC teams inside Ford Field.

One of the better surprises of last season was the Detroit Lions, who played their way into a Wild Card berth after losing star wide receiver Calvin Johnson to retirement. In 2017, they are no longer a surprise and have played good football en-route to them starting the season off at 3-1. They are going to make another run at the NFC North this season, but once again the Green Bay Packers stand in their way.

Last weekend, the Carolina Panthers were heavy underdogs against the New England Patriots, who looked like world beaters the week before. Instead of lying down like a dog, the Panthers rose up, and actually beat the Patriots on the road. It was a huge win for a franchise that has been down since being blown out by the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50.

On Sunday, these two teams will lock horns inside Ford Field, in a game that could have major playoff implications later in the year. Both of these team could wind up playing for a Wild Card late, and a win against each other would go a long way in deciding who gets in. Detroit has been tough at home as of late, but the Panthers proved last week they can beat anybody away from their home fans.

Matthew Stafford was given a lot of money this offseason to lead this team, and he has done just that this season. The Lions actually had a resemblance of a running game last weekend too, and they will certainly need to be firing on all cylinders against a good Panthers team. Cam Newton looks more like the 2015 version of himself, and that could wind up being scary news for the rest of the NFC.

Odds

Line: Detroit (-3.0)

Over/Under: 44.0

The Lions are home favorites in this game, and rightfully so, as they are playing good football this season. Both of these offenses can score, so look for this game to go over the 44.0 over/under line. This line and over/under has changed a bit over the past week or so, so head on over to Sportsbook Review for any changes up until kickoff.

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Prediction

The Panthers have turned the corner, and are starting to resemble the team that ran through the NFC back in 2015. Cam Newton is finally healthy, and with the way the offense looked last weekend in New England, I do not believe the Lions can stop them for four quarters. Matthew Stafford will make it interesting like he always does, but the Panthers will win a big one on the road for the second straight week.

Final Score: Panthers 24 Lions 21