The Carolina Panthers travel to Detroit to take on the Lions on Sunday when Week 5’s afternoon slate begins at 1:00 PM ET on FOX. Can the Lions cover the 9.5-point spread as home favorites? I’ll give you today’s winner with my Panthers vs. Lions betting prediction.
The Carolina Panthers are 0-4 straight up and 0-3-1 against the spread this year. They have yet to win a game this season, and their worst loss came against the Vikings.
The Detroit Lions are 3-1 straight up on the year and 3-1 against the spread. Their best win came against the Chiefs, and their only loss came against the Seahawks.
Panthers vs. Lions Matchup & Betting Odds
455 Carolina Panthers (+9.5) vs. 456 Detroit Lions (-9.5); O/U 44
1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 8, 2023
Ford Field, Detroit, MI
Panthers vs. Lions Public Betting Prediction
Our NFL Public Betting Information page indicates that the public favors the Lions in this game. According to our numbers, 78% of public bets are on Detroit -9.5. Please note that this information is subject to change all the way up to kickoff, so be sure to check the link before you pick so you’re receiving the most accurate and up-to-date public betting data.
Carolina Panthers DFS Spin
Carolina starting free safety Xavier Woods will miss Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. Woods has 11 total tackles and 2 passes defended in 3 games of action for the Panthers this season.
Panthers starting right cornerback Donte Jackson was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but he logged a full practice Friday according to ESPN’s David Newton. Jackson is officially listed as questionable on the injury report, but there is optimism that he’ll be able to suit up against Detroit on Sunday.
Detroit Lions DFS Spin
Detroit starting slot receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s clash with Carolina as he deals with an abdominal injury. St. Brown leads the Lions in catches (26), receiving yards (331), and is tied for the team lead in receiving touchdowns (2) this season.
The Lions will be without starting nickel back Brian Branch on Sunday as he deals with an ankle injury. Conversely, Detroit should have a pair of defensive backs available that were previously listed on the team’s injury report. Starting strong safety Kerby Joseph is probable after missing the last two games with a hip injury and right cornerback Emmanuel Moseley is probable after missing the team’s first four games with a knee injury.
Panthers vs. Lions Betting Trends
Panthers QB Bryce Young is 0-2-1 ATS this season.
Lions QB Jared Goff is 32-19 ATS since 2020, which is the best mark in the NFL.
Detroit is 26-12 ATS since the start of the 2021 season, which is the best record in the NFL in that span.
Jared Goff is 17-7 ATS in September in his career.
Goff is an NFL-best 18-8 ATS at home since 2020.
Way to put a bow on it @_luhjerry
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 30, 2023
Next up: #CARvsDET | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/PLJGx6OpeP
Panthers vs. Lions Prediction:
It’s often tough sledding for rookie quarterbacks, and Carolina’s Bryce Young is finding that out firsthand. Since 2000, rookie QBs that were picked #1 overall are 62-122-2 straight up in their first season. Making matters worse is Young’s small stature. Rookie QBs that are under 6 feet tall are 6-11 straight up since the beginning of 2020.
It doesn’t help that Bryce Young and Carolina are going up against one of the stingiest defenses in the NFL. The Lions rank 4th in opponent yards per play (4.5), 2nd in opponent yards per rushing attempt (3.0), and 8th in opponent yards per pass attempt (5.7) this season. On top of that, Detroit is averaging 3.3 sacks per game, which is tied for the 7th best mark in the league. The Lions are quarterbacked by the underrated Jared Goff who is 11th in the NFL in passer rating (98.4) and 6th in the league in total QBR (68.9) in 2023. The combination of Goff, the Lions’ defense, and the Ford Field home crowd should lead to Detroit winning this one by double digits.
