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Panthers vs. Lions prediction, odds, spread, injuries, trends for NFL Week 5

A full betting preview for the winless Carolina Panthers and Detroit Lions.

By Josh Yourish

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) / Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK
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One of the biggest statements of Week 4 came on Thursday Night Football when the Detroit Lions pounded the Packers 34-20. Even more so than their Week 1 win over the Chiefs on a Thursday night, this game was a real statement that Dan Campbell’s team is a legit NFC contender. 

Now, the 3-1 Lions will host the 0-4 Carolina Panthers. Can Detroit maintain the top spot in the NFC North as big favorites on Sunday afternoon? We'll get to that, but for a look at every single game on the slate this week, check out BetSided NFL betting expert Iain MacMillan’s weekly “Road to 272” where he picks every game of the NFL season. 

When you’re betting the NFL in Week 5, take advantage of this great promo from the DraftKings Sportsbook. Sign up below to and bet $5 to get $200 in bonus bets and more!

Panthers vs. Lions odds, spread and total 

Lions vs. Panthers Betting Trends

  • Lions are 3-1 ATS
  • The OVER is 2-2 in Lions games
  • Panthers are 0-3-1 ATS
  • The UNDER is 3-1 in Panthers games

Panthers vs. Lions injury reports

Panthers injury report

  • Jonathan Mingo - WR - questionable (concussion)
  • Xavier Woods - S - questionable (hamstring)
  • Shaq Thompson - LB - IR (leg)
  • Jaycee Horn - CB - Out indefinitely (hamstring)

Lions injury report

  • Emmanuel Moseley - CB - questionable (knee)
  • Brian Branch - DB - questionable (ankle)
  • Jason Cabinda - FB - questionable (knee)
  • Kerby Joseph - S - questionable (hip)
  • Halapoulivaati Vaitai - G - questionable (knee)
  • Jameson Williams - WR - eligible Week 5 (suspension)
  • Julian Okwara - LB - questionable (knee)
  • C.J. Gardner-Johnson - DB - IR (pectoral)

Panthers vs. Lions how to watch

  • Date: Sunday, October 8
  • Time: 1:00 PM EST
  • Venue: Ford Field
  • How to Watch (TV): FOX
  • Panthers Record: 0-4
  • Lions Record: 3-1

Panthers vs. Lions key players to watch

Panthers

Bryce Young, QB: After missing Week 3 with an ankle injury, Young struggled yet again, finishing 25/32 for 204 yards. He’s averaging just 4.9 yards per attempt despite completing 65% of his passes. Young’s height is a serious issue, he’s completing 91.7% of his passes within nine yards of the line of scrimmage, but in the intermediate part of the field, he is just 12/27 with two interceptions, both over the middle. Those are the issues of a short quarterback. 

Lions

David Montgomery, RB: The Lions took a first-round running back and he isn’t even the featured back in their offense. Montgomery, their free agent addition has been dominant. Last week against Green Bay, Montgomery ran for 121 yards and three touchdowns on 32 carries. 

Panthers vs. Lions prediction and pick

Bryce Young may someday become a good NFL quarterback, but he needs a lot of help and even more time. Young’s height is a serious detriment and is causing him to struggle throwing the ball into the intermediate parts of the field. Not to mention the durability questions about him are already being validated after he missed Week 3. 

The Panthers offense isn’t doing him any favors either with Adam Thielen as their No. 1 receiver. That group ranks 25th in total offense and 31st in yards per play, gaining just 4.4. The run-game is a relative non-factor, gaining just 95.2 yards per game on 4.0 yards per rush, but the passing game is the even bigger problem. 

Remember when I said that Young can’t throw to the intermediate or deep parts of the field. Well, that shows up in the numbers because the Panthers are second in pass attempts and fourth in completions, but are 31st in yards per completion and yards per attempt. 

The Lions defense is much improved from last season and ranks first against the run and fourth in yards per play. Offensively, Detroit has a top 10 rushing and passing offense. Last week, the Lions ran all over the Packers and they can do that again with Carolina ranking 27th in run defense and 29th in yards per rush. Not to mention, the Lions will have a new element to their offense with Jameson Williams returning from his suspension to stretch Carolina's defense vertically.

I’ll take the Lions to cover as big favorites. They have covered in eight of their last 10 games. 

Follow all Josh Yourish’s bets HERE

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change

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