The hot Detroit Lions take on the Carolina Panthers in a game the some believe is a mismatch. Detroit has dominated opponents in recent games. The Panthers had played well up until a contest versus the Pittsburgh Steelers in NFL Week 15. Carolina could get nothing going on the ground, which is why the Panthers lost. Will Carolina bounce back as a +2.5 home underdog? Or will the Lions win their fourth straight up and eighth in a row against the spread? Check out NFL Lines, analysis, and a free pick for Lions at Panthers.
NFL Week 16 Betting Preview and Prediction for Detroit Lions at Carolina
Lions vs Panthers Odds and Match Info
- When: Saturday, Dec. 24 at 1:00 pm ET
- Where: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
- TV / Streaming: FOX
- ATS Odds: Detroit -2.5
- Money line Odds: Carolina +114 / Detroit -140
- Over/Under Odds: 38
Why bet on Detroit versus Carolina?
Detroit’s offense ranks first in total yards per game at 375.1. The Lions rank fourth in points per game with 26.4 each contest.
The Lions can run it or pass it. Jared Goff has played great ball for the Lions. Also, Detroit is on fire against the spread, going 10-4 ATS in their last 14. Detroit is looking for their fifth straight win so the Panthers face a hot squad.
Detroit Lions Offensive Averages
- Total Yards: 375.1
- Passing Yards: 249.1
- Rushing Yards: 126.1
- Points Scored: 26.4
- Turnovers: 14
Detroit Lions Defensive Averages
- Total Yards: 398.5
- Passing Yards: 265.1
- Rushing Yards: 133.4
- Points Scored: 26.0
- Takeaways: 17
Why bet on Carolina versus Detroit?
Matchups make the game and in this case, Carolina has a much better matchup versus Detroit than they did against the Steelers.
Don’t get us wrong. Detroit will move the football. However, the Lions could struggle to score touchdowns against a defense that allows just 22.4 points per. Not only that, but the Panthers rush for 117.5 each game and the Lions allow 133.4 rushing yards per contest.
Carolina Panthers Offensive Averages
- Total Yards: 288.1
- Passing Yards: 170.6
- Rushing Yards: 117.5
- Points Scored: 19.7
- Turnovers: 16
- Total Yards: 342.1
- Passing Yards: 211.4
- Rushing Yards: 130.7
- Points Scored: 22.4
- Takeaways: 14
- Lions are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games
- Detroit is 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games following a straight up win
- Over is 9-2 in the Lions’ last 11 versus the NFC
- Panthers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in December
- Carolina is 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games at home
- Under is 5-1 in the Panthers’ last 6 games following an ATS loss
Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers Final Betting Prediction
The Lions could end up one of the hottest plays of the weekend. Detroit is on fire. You don’t go 7-0 ATS in your last 7 unless you’re playing good football.
But it could come crashing down on Saturday. The reason? Carolina had won 2 straight, including beating Seattle on the road, before running into the Steel Curtain.
Pittsburgh ranks seventh in rushing yards allowed per game. The Steelers’ defense has dominated in the past month. Detroit’s D gives up a lot of yards and a lot of points.
So this is a totally different matchup for the Panthers. Carolina should exploit the Lions’ defense enough for not only a cover win, but also a straight up victory.
NFL Week 16 Pick: Carolina Panthers +114
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