Panthers vs. Lions: NFL Week 5 Odds, Picks & Player Prop Bets
I’m Andrew Erickson, and I’m here to guide you through each game on the NFL slate, offering insights and recommendations on sides, totals, and player props that you can quickly turn into a big single-game parlay. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just dipping your toes into the world of NFL wagering - I know that I am for the first time now that my state has legalized wagering - this primer is designed to provide you with valuable perspectives and picks for the upcoming NFL week of action. Here are my top picks for Panthers vs. Lions.
NFL Betting Primer: Panthers vs. Lions
Detroit Lions (DET -9) vs. Carolina Panthers
We head back to the Coors Field of the NFL, where the Lions will host the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field. The Lions are nearly double-digit home favorites - for the first time in I can't imagine how long - with their sights set on a 4-1 start. Backing the Lions has been extremely profitable since the middle of last season, as they are 20-7 (74%) vs. the spread in games with 54 points or fewer scored since current offensive coordinator Ben Johnson took on a larger role in calling the offense.
The current total in this game is being suppressed to 45 points due to the Panthers' inability to put forth any worthwhile offensive production. Three games with Bryce Young as the starter, and they have yet to eclipse 17 points scored. No more than 281 yards in any game.
And although the Lions have traditionally been "the" get-right spot for offenses to get going, the Lions' overhauled defense has rewritten the narrative. Against the run? They rank first in the fewest rushing yards per game. Don't hold your breath expecting any type of ground attack.
And although they haven't been as solid against the pass - 15th in passing yards allowed per game - its' inflated by their OT loss to the Seattle Seahawks. That game that featured a pick-six thrown by Jared Goff is essentially the one blemish on a Lions team that has been near flawless on both sides of the ball. Their pass rush is one of the best units in the league, ranking 7th in pressure rate and second in total pressures.
Meanwhile, Carolina can't generate anything on offense with a sheer lack of playmakers. And their defense has been destroyed by the run, allowing the third-most rushing yards per game to opposing RBs.
The Lions blew the doors of the Packers on Thursday night with a strong run game led by David Montgomery, and I'd expect more of the same in Week 5. This defense invites the run so heavily that even the super pass-heavy Vikings decided to run on them in Week 4.
And when they do drop back to pass, Jared Goff should shred and be as efficient as he tends to be when playing at home with time in the pocket. The Lions are on the cusp of being elite, and they take care of business with a double-digit home win on Sunday. They have had extra time to prepare for this matchup, and
And although I love my Ford Field overs - this Panthers offense has shown me zero justification that they can push for points against an underrated Lions defense.
As for props, I am just going to keep it simple. David Montgomery OVER 69.5 rushing yards. He has rushed for 67 yards in all three of his games played this season, with his lowest output coming in a game that he left early. Unless he gets hurt, don't see how he doesn't fly over this number.
My Picks:
- Lions -9.0 (-110 FanDuel Sportsbook)
- Under 45.0 (-110 FanDuel Sportsbook)
My Props:
- David Montgomery over 69.5 rushing yards (PrizePicks)
What is Betting Against the Spread?
Betting "against the spread" refers to the act of choosing the winning team based on a numeric handicap placed on the team that oddsmakers believe is superior, rather than picking the outright winner. For example, if the Rams face the Bengals, and oddsmakers set the spread at Rams -3.5, you would need Los Angeles to win by 4 or more points in order to cash your Rams bet.
What is an Over/Under Bet?
Over/Under is a wager based on how many points you think will be scored in a specific game. Oddsmakers set the total, and bettors decide whether the final score will be higher or lower than that number. If an Over/Under is set at 44.5 points and you bet Over, you will need the combined score of both teams to be 45 points or higher to win your bet.
What is a Moneyline Bet?
A moneyline bet involves choosing which team you believe will win a specific matchup. The moneyline favorite carries a minus designation, like -130. This means that you need to wager $130 to earn a $100 profit. Conversely, the underdog carries a plus designation, like +110. This means that you win $110 in profit on a $100 bet.
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