Lions vs Panthers Prediction & Picks: Offenses Take Backseat in Charlotte
Written by: Devon Platana
Published: Thu Aug 24, 2023, 10:47 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
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The 2023 NFL preseason has reached its final week, leaving teams with one final opportunity to tune up for the regular-season action. The final slate of exhibition contests includes Friday's game between the Carolina Panthers and Detroit Lions at Bank of America Stadium.
Both teams could afford to end the preseason on a high note. The Lions are coming off a lackluster performance in the form of last week's 25-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Meanwhile, the Panthers couldn't get the job done against the New York Giants, losing 21-19 on the road.
Below is everything you need to know heading into Friday's Lions vs Panthers preseason game, from the latest odds to my favorite betting picks.
Detroit Lions vs. Carolina Panthers (Aug. 25)
DET vs. CAR Game Information
- Matchup: Detroit Lions (1-1, 0-0 Away) vs. Carolina Panthers (0-2, 0-1 Home)
- Venue & Location: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)
- Date: Friday, August 25, 2023
- Game Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Time
- Where to Watch Lions vs Panthers: CBS
Lions vs Panthers Odds
Game odds as of Thursday, August 24 at 9:55 a.m. ET from BetOnline. Odds from other sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.
Spread
- Detroit Lions +4.5 (-110)
- Carolina Panthers -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under
- Over 37 Points (-112)
- Under 37 Points (-108)
Moneyline
- Detroit Lions +170
- Carolina Panthers -195
Lions vs Panthers Betting Trends
- Detroit is 2-8 straight up in its last 10 games against Carolina.
- Carolina is 4-1 straight up in its last five home games on a Friday.
- Detroit is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games.
- Carolina is 7-1 ATS in its last eight games against the NFC.
- The total has hit the over in 11 of Detroit's 15 games played in August.
- The total has hit the under in eight of Carolina's last 12 home games.
Lions vs Panthers Preseason Preview
The Panthers have left much to be desired in the preseason thus far.
First of all, they opened the exhibition slate with a 27-0 shutout loss to the New York Jets at home. Things didn't look any better when the Panthers only scored six points (two field goals) through the first three quarters against the Giants before scoring 13 in the final frame.
Either way, Frank Reich's team can't afford another slow start if they want to send the Bank of America Stadium faithful home happy. The first step to a better start hinges on the team's performance under center.
Carolina's QB room has been uninspiring for the most part this preseason, going a combined 33-of-54 (61.1%) for only 247 passing yards with one touchdown to one interception.
Meanwhile, the Lions are likely to bench most of their key players as a precaution, including starting QB Jared Goff. That means we're likely in for another game where Nate Sudfeld does most of the signal-calling.
The former 2016 sixth-rounder has struggled with accuracy and control heading into the Lions vs Panthers preseason matchup, completing just 52.2% of passes for 274 yards, one TD, and three INTs.
Playing at Bank of America Stadium also puts the Lions at a disadvantage. After all, they've dropped each of their last six trips to Charlotte. It also doesn't help that the Panthers have won four of their previous five preseason games played on a Friday.
With Detroit also failing to cover the spread in four of its last five encounters with Carolina, it's clear that the road team will face an uphill battle Friday night.
Lions vs Panthers Prediction and Picks
Lions vs Panthers Prediction: Panthers 20, Lions 14
Lions vs Panthers Picks: Panthers -4.5 (Best Value: -110 on BetOnline ) & Under 37 Total Points (-108 on BetOnline)
The Panthers are hungry to close out the preseason with a win and will use that as motivation to beat the Lions. Detroit just doesn't have a tone to play for Friday, whereas Carolina is entering a new era with several fresh faces looking to prove that they belong on the 53-man roster.
With how disastrous the Lions' situation under center has been, I see the Panthers covering the spread, too. Not only is Carolina 4-1 ATS in its last five meetings with Detroit, but it's also 7-1 ATS in its previous eight NFC matchups.
Another worthwhile bet is backing the under on the 37-point total. After all, the Lions are averaging 14 PPG in the preseason while the Panthers average 9.5 PPG. Barring an unexpected turnaround, it's more likely that there isn't much offense here.
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Devon is a Master of Journalism graduate who joined the sports betting world in 2020. His favorite leagues to cover are the NHL, NBA and NFL, and has a soft spot for fantasy football specifically. Outside of sports, he enjoys the finer things in life like pasta, live music and getting even more tattoos.
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