Lions (4-5) at Panthers (3-7)
Sunday, 1 ET, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.
TV: Fox
Danny Sheridan’s line: Panthers by 3
Lions’ keys to victory: Any potential upset will require playing a clean, mistake-free game. QB Matthew Stafford has to avoid throwing interceptions, while Detroit’s coaching staff has to do a better job of avoiding unforced errors. On defense, the Lions could use more help up front. They have one of the lowest pass-rush win rates in the league, though DE Romeo Okwara has been producing pressures and sacks.
Panthers’ keys to victory: Joe Brady’s offense has been most effective this season when the ball is spread around evenly by QB Teddy Bridgewater, although he is dayto-day with a knee injury. Things have slowed down when he’s become focused on one target like WR DJ Moore or RB Christian McCaffrey, though. If Bridgewater uses all the players at his disposal, especially underrated WR Curtis Samuel, they should prove too much for the Lions. After trading their top cornerback, Darius Slay, to the Eagles in the offseason, Detroit’s secondary is especially thin and likely to struggle against a loaded Carolina receiver corps.
Matchup to watch: Panthers DE Brian Burns vs. Lions LT Taylor Decker. Detroit doesn’t have a ton of talent. Decker is one of the league’s better left tackles, though. His pass protection will be tested this week against Burns, who has developed into an elite pass rusher. Burns is perhaps most gifted at forcing fumbles, and even one strip-sack against Stafford could have an enormous impact.
Who wins? Home-field advantage should be enough to give Carolina the edge.
Panthers 31-23