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Panthers vs. Lions: Preview, score prediction for Week 5

By Genna Preston

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 14: Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball against Stephen Tulloch #55 of the Detroit Lions during the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 14, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 14: Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball against Stephen Tulloch #55 of the Detroit Lions during the game at Bank of America Stadium on September 14, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Carolina Panthers vs. Detroit Lions

The Carolina Panthers enter Week 5, where they’ll take a trip to Ford Field to meet the Detroit Lions, coming off one of their best games of the season, having defeated the defending Super Bowl Champion Patriots. Cam Newton had three touchdowns for over 300 yards, while Jonathan Stewart had a little under 70 yards on 14 carries. They moved to 3-1 with the win.

Their offense is improving more every week, and the Panthers are showing signs of the Super Bowl contenders we remember from 2015. With Newton, Stewart and Devin Funchess on that field, their offense will continue to flourish.

As for Detroit, the Lions have also been surprising fans all season. The offense has always had potential, and Matthew Stafford is helping them start to realize it already as he’s having a fantastic start to the season. He has seven touchdowns, and after this weekend’s matchup, should top or (come close to) 1,000 yards.

The Lions defense has been a great surprise this season. They have 11 takeaways, which is the most in the league and has led to an incredible 47 points off turnovers. They are already surpassing last season’s stats, and it’s only Week 5. Their defense is on a mission this season.

Keys to Victory

Detroit’s offensive line needs to get it together. Last week, Stafford was sacked six times. The Lions needs to focus on what they know, and have done the last few weeks; Run, gain time of possession and let Stafford sling the ball downfield when it’s needed. Stafford does have the most comeback wins in the league since the beginning of the 2016 season.

As for the Panthers, the key for them is going to be Newton and the offense. Their offensive line has bee mediocre at their best this season, which has put pressure on the quarterback. However, when they protected well, they were able to topple New England and get the ball moving. The Lions defense has been playing like one of the best in the league this season. If the likes of Funchess, Christian McCaffrey and the other weapons in Carolina are to be unleashed, it starts with the line.

Odds

Point Spread: Detroit -2
Moneyline: Detroit -135, Carolina +115
Over/Under: 44

Odds via Bookmaker on Sportsbook Review

Next: NFL 2017: Picks against the spread for Week 5

Prediction

The Lions will take the victory in Week 5. They have the 21st ranked offense, fifth-best defense and the No. 1 special teams. They will trail in the first half of the game, but the Lions and Stafford will come back in the fourth quarter for a patented come-from-behind victory.

Pick: Carolina Panthers: 17, Detroit Lions: 24

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