Lions vs. Panthers Betting Odds: Line at Carolina -2.5
The Lions vs. Panthers betting odds featured a line of -2.5 in favor of the home team Carolina. Place your 1st bet here at Sportsbook.ag and get your 2nd bet for free up to $100.
Sportsbook.ag Line & Total: Carolina -2.5 (-105) & 44
Opening Line & Total: Panthers -3 & 44
Two 1-0 teams square off in Charlotte on Sunday with the Panthers hosting the Lions.
Detroit debuted its new offense at home Monday night and it was a major success. The Lions racked up 417 yards of total offense and defeated the Giants 35-14. WR Calvin Johnson had seven receptions for 164 yards and two touchdowns. Carolina played its opening game without QB Cam Newton (ribs), who will likely be the starter in Week 2. The Panthers went into Tampa Bay and stole a road win 20-14, and their defense will look to make Lions QB Matthew Stafford as uncomfortable as possible. However, Newton will also be up against a dominant front seven. He could be in trouble if he’s not moving as well after fracturing his ribs in the preseason. These teams have played six games since 1992. The Panthers are 4-2 SU in those meetings (3-1 SU at home), but Detroit has covered in five of six. The Lions are 3-15 ATS off one or more straight Overs in the past three seasons. Carolina is 3-1 ATS off an upset win as a road underdog during that time. Lions S Don Carey (hamstring) is questionable for the game on Sunday and RB Reggie Bush (knee) is probable, but there are no other significant injuries for either team.
The Lions were dominant on Monday night against the Giants and a lot of that had to do with the play of QB Matthew Stafford. While WR Calvin Johnson hauled in two first-quarter touchdowns, Stafford made some excellent plays using his footwork that allowed him to find his go-to guy down the field. Stafford threw for 346 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in the game. He also rushed for a touchdown. WR Golden Tate made his Lions debut in the game and he certainly didn’t disappoint. Tate caught six passes for 93 yards working opposite of Johnson. The offense, however, can’t take all the credit for the win, as the defense caused two turnovers and sacked Eli Manning twice for a loss of 19 yards. They could give the Panthers’ fits defensively. Carolina is rolling out a brand new receiving corps and just played a game with their backup quarterback. The Lions will need to take advantage of the Panthers’ adjustment to the arrival of Cam Newton.
With Newton out for Week 1, the Panthers turned to veteran QB Derek Anderson. Anderson has never been much of a threat as a quarterback, but he managed the game against Tampa Bay beautifully. Filling in for Newton is no easy task, but Anderson threw for 230 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions. He took care of the ball and gave his team a chance to win the game. Rookie WR Kelvin Benjamin looked great in his NFL debut, hauling in six catches for 92 yards and a touchdown. He will face a shaky secondary with the Lions and could be in for yet another big game. TE Greg Olsen was targeted 11 times against the Bucs and finished with eight receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown. He is the most experienced pass catcher on this team, and Newton will certainly look his way often all season. The Panthers defense, however, was the story in the opening week. They forced three turnovers in the game and had the Buccaneers offense confused all day. They now face a very difficult task in stopping a potent Lions offense.
- Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter
