Panthers vs Lions Odds, Pick: Bet Detroit in Christmas Eve Cat Fight
Sarah Stier/Getty Images. Pictured: Jared Goff.
- The Lions are favored against the Panthers by 2.5 points.
- Detroit looks to stay hot and continue its quest for an NFC playoff spot.
- Dylan Wilkerson previews the game and makes his betting pick below.
Panthers vs Lions Odds
| Panthers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -105 | 43.5 -115o / -105u | +124 |
| Lions Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -115 | 43.5 -115o / -105u | -146 |
As someone whose favorite color is blue, this game is a matchup dream. Lions baby blue, Panthers black making the baby blue look dark, blue skies in Carolina, I love it. I was very excited to dig in and find a Panthers vs Lions pick.
While this matchup may have been less than stellar a month ago, now it’s a matchup between two teams fighting for playoff spots in the NFC.
The Lions are red hot, winning six of their last seven. Their offense has been rolling all year, averaging 26.4 points per game. Their defense is another story, allowing the second-most points in the NFL. However, over the course of their last seven contests, they are allowing just under 20 points per game.
The Panthers continue to roll with USC product Sam Darnold in the hopes he can lead them to a divisional championship. They have won two of their last three, but most recently lost to the Steelers.
Can Carolina take control of the NFC South? Or will the Lions continue to impose their will on unsuspecting teams?
Panthers vs Lions Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how the Panthers and Lions match up statistically:
Panthers vs Lions DVOA Breakdown
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Overall DVOA | 6 | 20 | |
| Pass DVOA | 8 | 21 | |
| Rush DVOA | 12 | 21 | |
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Overall DVOA | 29 | 23 | |
| Pass DVOA | 30 | 22 | |
| Rush DVOA | 20 | 19 | |
The Panthers defense, which has allowed 22.5 points per game, has shown flashes of excellence, but it is important to remember they get to play the Buccaneers, Saints and Falcons.
Carolina's defensive numbers could be a tad inflated due to its schedule. The defense also can be undisciplined at times, as it has allowed the third-most defensive penalty yards in the NFL. There is nothing worse than betting on a team that walks the opponent down the field.
Bet Detroit vs. Carolina at FanDuel
The Panthers have had trouble finding success offensively. Understandable considering they have used three quarterbacks over the course of the season. It seems they are sticking with Darnold for now, which is probably their best option. That said, I can't rationalize putting my money behind someone who has yet to prove they can consistently perform.
Both defenses blitz about 30% of the time, but the Lions offense can handle pressure much better.
Jared Goff’s QBR increases 15 points when facing the blitz compared to a normal rush. In addition, the Lions convert on third down 13% more frequently than the Panthers, and score touchdowns when they reach the red zone 20% more often. Detroit’s offense is scoring 2.44 points per drive, which ranks fifth in the league.
Betting Picks
I normally lean toward player props in game previews, but the chance to get the Lions at a good number has me deviating from my norm.
Detroit has proven capable of handling the blitz, and Carolina has not. Normally the Panthers defense keeps them in games and gives them an edge, but this high-powered Lions offense will impose their will. I am backing the Lions to keep their playoff hopes alive.
What is QuickSlip?
QuickSlip is an Action Network feature that allows users to automatically load their bet slip at FanDuel Sportsbook.
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