If the power structure in the NFC has switched up from last season, this game could have serious playoff implications. The Carolina Panthers (3-1) travel to Michigan to face off against the Detroit Lions (3-1) at Ford Field.
This one should be a solid and watchable contest. Your local FOX affiliate will beam it directly into your face at 1 p.m. EST.
The Game: Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions (-2.5)
O/U: 43.0
The History
It was four years after the Panthers joined the league when these two teams first played. Since 1999, they’ve faced off just seven times, with the Panthers leading the series 5-2.
Detroit last played the Panthers on September 14, 2014. Carolina won 24-7 behind 22 of 34 passing for 281 yards and a touchdown. Stafford was 27 of 48 for 291 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
The last time the Lions beat the Panthers was November 20, 2011 in a 49-35 shootout. Stafford was 28 of 36 in that game for 335 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. Newton was 22 of 38 for 280 yards, one touchdown and four picks.
CAROLINA PANTHERS (3-1)
Cam Newton had his best game of the season last week in an upset win over the New England Patriots. Newton finished 22 of 29 passing for 316 yards, three touchdowns and one pick in the 33-30 victory. He added 44 yards and a TD on the ground. He spread the ball around to six different receivers, with Kelvin Benjamin hauling in four passes for 104 yards. Devin Funchess continues what could be his breakout season, catching seven balls for 70 yards and two touchdowns.
The Lions defense is an entirely different monster than the Patriots’ open sewer. Even against New England, the Panthers only got 85 yards from their running backs. Jonathan Stewart carried the ball 14 times for 68 yards. The Christian McCaffrey rookie of the year campaign has stalled out in spite of every preseason NFL writer (including me) predicting it. In my defense, I didn’t think he was in the running after he was drafted, but he looked so good in preseason. They need to get him more involved.
Giving up 30 points to the Pats notwithstanding, Carolina’s defense has been solid over the first month. They sacked Tom Brady three times last week with six tackles for a loss. They’ll need to keep pressure on Matthew Stafford, who is angling for an MVP in the early going.
Ryan Kalil is out at tackle again, opening more pass rush possibilities for the Lions.
DETROIT LIONS (3-1)
The Lions bounced back from a heartbreaking loss to the Atlanta Falcons in the final seconds with a key division win over the Minnesota Vikings. Facing one of the best defenses in the league, Stafford was 19 of 31 for 209 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. Ameer Abdullah finally showed up with a significant contribution to the stat sheet, rushing 20 times for 94 yards and a score.
Unless you have Stafford on your fantasy team, he’s probably killing Golden Tate and Marvin Jones Jr. owners. Stafford has no favorite receiver, which makes him deadly as a quarterback and nigh unstoppable when he’s on. Last week he hit eight different receivers and three of them put up similar stats.
On defense, Detroit managed just two sacks and two tackles for a loss against Minnesota, but held them to seven points. It’s hard to pile up the stats when you’re forcing the other team to constant three and outs. Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah has bounced back this season, already eclipsing his 2016 sack total. He’s on pace for 12 this season. He’s questionable, but should play.
Kenny Golladay, Dwayne Washington and Paul Worrilow are all out.
The Pick
This might end up being the best game of the week. The Panthers and Lions are both legitimate contenders coming off huge wins. Asking Carolina to win two consecutive games against potential playoff teams on the road is a little much at this point of the season. If the game is close in the fourth quarter, Stafford will push them to victory. Lions 24, Panthers 20
This week
Straight up: 1-0
Against the spread: 1-0
Last week
Straight up: 9-7
Against the spread: 10-6
Season
Straight up: 37-26
Against the spread: 32-31
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