The Detroit Lions moved to 3-1 and made a statement with a 34-20 win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 4. The outlook looks good for them, as players return from suspension or injury with extra time before they take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 5.
The Panthers are one of two winless teams left in the NFL through four weeks, after losing 21-13 at home to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. In Week 16 last season, albeit with a slightly different-looking team than they have now and on a bad field at Bank of America Stadium, the Panthers dominated the Lions with over 300 rushing yards in a 37-23 win.
Linebacker Derrick Barnes captured the sentiment the Lions have this week.
"Of course, big game for us. We owe them one,"
Via FanDuel Sportsbook, here's a look at the opening odds for Lions-Panthers in Week 5
Detroit Lions vs. Carolina Panthers: Week 5 odds, prediction
Point Spread:
Lions: -8.5 (-115)
Panthers: +8.5 (-105)
Moneyline:
Lions: -420
Panthers: +330
Over/Under (45 points):
Over: -110
Under: -110
Prediction: Lions 27, Panthers 13
The Lions should have no trouble with the Panthers on Sunday at home. The pressure they've put on opposing quarterbacks, finally yielding sacks by the bushel in the last two games, will make life very difficult for rookie quarterback Bryce Young. And with the way they've stopped the run (No. 1 in the league entering Monday night to end Week 4), the path to being on-schedule offensively and making Young more comfortable will not be an easy one.
Carolina's defense is pretty good, but if the offense is going three-and-out constantly it will be an advantage for the Detroit offense and any run-based approach.
On the betting sides, the Lions cover a significant spread as the favorite, they hit the money line and the under comes in fairly comfortably.
Note: Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.