Panthers vs. Lions: Highlights, game tracker and more

The Carolina Panthers faced the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Oct. 8 in Week 5 of the 2017 NFL season. Here are the highlights from the game.

When the Detroit Lions made the playoffs a season ago, many people wrote it off as a fluke, and something they may not be able to replicate for the 2017 season. However, they started off with a 3-1 record, with their only loss coming by just about an inch and a questionable rule hurting them. Thus, they looked like one of the NFC’s best teams as they welcomed the Carolina Panthers for a Week 5 matchup at Ford Field.

Obviously the Lions are going to have a strong offense, which is why they paid Matthew Stafford so handily with his new extension. However, that unit has truly been overshadowed by the defense. Long an ailment in Detroit, this group has played like one of the best in the league to this point. Darius Slay and the secondary have been coming up big, as has Ziggy Ansah up front.

Meanwhile, the Panthers haven’t exactly looked perfect in getting to their own 3-1 record. They struggled against the San Francisco 49ers and then were blown out by the New Orleans Saints. Last week, though, Cam Newton and the offense came to life and lit up the New England Patriots. As such, they have many believers.

With all this said, it’s so early in the season that most anything can happen. Thus, this matchup offered more clarity as to who these teams are.

Highlights

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

With both teams sitting at 3-1, this was obviously a big matchup that could have big implications later in the season. Thus, getting a win became that much more crucial for both the Panthers and Lions in Week 5.