Panthers vs Lions Odds, Pick for Week 5: Spread, Total, Prediction
| Panthers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+9 -110 | 44 -110o / -110u | +350 |
| Lions Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-9 -110 | 44 -110o / -110u | -450 |
Here's everything you need to know about Panthers vs Lions odds: our expert's pick and prediction for Week 5, plus the spread, the total and more.
Sunday's betting odds for Panthers vs. Lions make Carolina a steep road underdog in this Week 5 NFL matchup, with the spread now Lions -9 for Sunday.
Carolina is still in search of its first win of the season and is apparently also in the market for a true No. 1 receiver for rookie quarterback Bryce Young. Detroit sits atop the NFC North at 3-1, but is dealing with a number of injuries to key players on both sides of the ball. Notably, offensive standout Amon-Ra St. Brown is doubtful for this contest, as is rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Let’s dive into Panthers vs. Lions and make a pick for this NFC clash.
Panthers vs. Lions
Matchup Analysis
People have started to mock the Panthers front office for their decision to trade a future first-round pick and DJ Moore for Bryce Young, especially with recent reports of the team looking to acquire a true WR1.
However, this news shouldn't surprise anyone who's watched the Panthers this year as their pass-catchers have consistently struggled to create separation.
Carolina ranks 27th in dropback success rate and 25th in dropback EPA through four weeks. Young is tied for 32nd in adjusted EPA/play (with Daniel Jones) and ranks 31st in air yards at just 5.8 yards per attempt. There simply hasn’t been any explosiveness. Is there reason for optimism against this Lions?
The Lions defense is in the top 10 in both dropback EPA/play and Rush EPA/play while also ranking second in rushing success rate allowed (30%). The unit has been stellar, but I believe they are a bit overrated for a multitude of reasons.
In Week 1, they limited the Chiefs to just 20 points, but if you watched that game, you saw the Chiefs move the ball at will only to be derailed by drops and turnovers. In Week 2, the Lions got absolutely smoked, surrendering 37 points to Geno Smith and the Seahawks.
Bet Carolina vs. Detroit at FanDuel
The Lions admittedly looked very good against the Falcons and Packers over the last two weeks, but that isn’t saying much given the state of the Desmond Ridder and the amount of turnovers the Packers have suffered. Turnovers are variable week to week and hard to bank on. I believe that this Lions defense is closer to average — or even slightly below — than current consensus.
Additionally, the Lions secondary is banged up. They will be without their top-two graded coverage guys — CB Brian Branch and S C.J. Gardner Johnson. S Kerby Joseph and CB Emmanuel Moseley are also currently questionable to play.
Because of all the injuries, I think that the Panthers could finally establish some rhythm if they have optimal playcalling. Monitor whether Frank Reich has enough trust to throw on early downs with his rookie QB.
On the flip side for the Lions, their offense has looked good to start the year, currently ranked 14th in EPA/play and fourth in DVOA. The Panthers defense ranks 22nd in EPA/play and have been especially bad against the run, ranking last in rush EPA allowed and 31st in rush success rate.
The Panthers' strength is their pass defense, which currently ranks eighth in dropback EPA/play allowed. It looks like Amon Ra St-Brown, who's listed as doubtful, could be sidelined and that is obviously a major loss for Detroit.
With Sun God possibly out, the Panthers should be able to put more defenders in the box and key in on the Lions' run game, which could be without rookie Jahmyr Gibbs, who was downgraded to doubtful.
Panthers vs. Lions
Betting Picks & Predictions
This is a new spot for this Lions team as a near double-digit favorite — I think they will struggle in this role.
The Lions rank 31st in pass rate over expectation (-7%), so it’s not like this is a pass-heavy offense that is going to rip off explosives and cover margin easily. This team has shown a preference for running the ball through four games and that should only be exacerbated with the potential absence of St-Brown.
The losses in their secondary are meaningful and I believe in Bryce Young despite the plethora of people jumping ship after a four-game sample. I’ll be backing the Panthers to remain competitive and cover +9.5.
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