Carolina @ Detroit preview
Ford Field
Last Meeting ( Oct 8, 2017 ) Carolina 27, Detroit 24
After playing outstanding defense during a three-game winning streak, the Carolina Panthers turned in one of their worst efforts on that side of the ball in recent memory last week. The Panthers will try to bounce back from that lackluster performance and bolster their position in the NFC wild-card race when they visit the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
The Panthers held a defensive meeting to address what went wrong in last week’s 52-21 loss at Pittsburgh and try to get back on the same page. “We couldn’t just throw what happened last week out the window,” Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short told reporters. “We went over the mistakes and everybody took accountability for what they did wrong. We put it behind us and practiced the way we need to.” The Lions would like to put a three-game losing streak behind them as they look to rebound from a 34-22 loss at Chicago last week. The Panthers have won the last two meetings and six of the last seven, including a 27-24 win at Detroit last season.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Panthers -4.5. O/U: 49.5
ABOUT THE PANTHERS (6-3): Carolina hopes last week’s performance was an anomaly for a defense that has fared well against the run but shown to be susceptible to the pass. The offense can mask some of the defensive shortcomings by controlling the ball, as Carolina ranks third in the league in rushing at 138.4 yards per game. Second-year running back Christian McCaffrey has emerged as one of the team’s top threats, leading the Panthers in rushing (579 yards, four TDs) and receiving (54 receptions, 439 yards, four TDs).
ABOUT THE LIONS (3-6): After years as one of the league’s most prolific passing attacks, Detroit’s offense has stalled, ranking 23rd in total offense and 20th in scoring. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is looking for new weapons to incorporate following Golden Tate’s trade to Philadelphia, and second-year receiver Kenny Golladay (39 receptions, 601 yards, four TDs) has emerged as one of his favorite targets. Detroit’s pass defense has been strong, but the team has been gashed on the ground, which is a bad sign against Carolina.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Panthers QB Cam Newton has thrown at least two touchdown passes in a franchise-record eight consecutive games.
2. Stafford has been sacked 16 times and hit 25 times over the last two contests.
3. Carolina TE Greg Olsen (661) needs two receptions to pass Ozzie Newsome for fifth all-time among tight ends.
PREDICTION: Panthers 27, Lions 20