The Detroit Lions enter Week 4 feeling pretty good about their offense, having scored exactly 31 points in each of their first three games. But the defense remains a major question mark, with their two
wins coming down to desperation stops at the end of the game. Things don't get easier against the Carolina Panthers , who are led by quarterback Bryce Young and his 939 passing yards through three weeks.
Six Free Press sports writers have some thoughts on whether the Lions can make it to 3-1 this week in Charlotte.
Dave Birkett
I wrestled with my pick for this game. The Lions are the more talented team, but Carolina is at home on "Sunday Night Football." The Lions have major deficiencies in the secondary, but Carolina's plight might be worse with its injuries at cornerback. The Panthers have the most explosive passing offense in the NFL through three weeks. The Lions aren't too shabby in that department themselves, but on a rainy day, Jahmyr Gibbs at running back might be all they need. I think this one comes down to the last possession, and it probably takes a late touchdown to win.
The pick: Panthers 35, Lions 31.
Carlos Monarrez
Two great offenses. Two awful defense. Unless it rains and makes things slippery for those skill players, expect a high-scoring affair. The Lions should have the advantage with more weapons. Really, this will come down to another gut check for Kelvin Sheppard’s defense – and probably Jake Bates’ leg.
The pick: Lions 36, Panthers 35.
Christian Romo
The Lions allowed New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough and Jets quarterback Geno Smith to shine in Weeks 1 and 3, respectively, while still scoring enough to win both contests. That's because Detroit's offense has looked in control so far, and an improved and healthier offensive line should give quarterback Jared Goff plenty of time to find his receivers on Sunday. The Panthers will find the end zone with their passing attack, one of the scariest units in the NFL right now. Young and Co. are an emerging threat, while Detroit's offense has been a well-oiled machine for much longer. Even on the road, and even if it rains, the Lions' experience should break through.
The pick: Lions 31, Panthers 27
Rainer Sabin
Given the suboptimal state of both these teams’ secondaries, this should be a high-scoring affair. The only factor that may deter the offenses is the weather. Rain is forecast. But the elements shouldn’t really matter because the Lions simply have more firepower. They are also the better team. The final score will reflect their superiority.
The pick: Lions 30, Panthers 27.
Jeff Seidel
The Lions have scored 31 points in each of their first three games. What will they do against Carolina's banged up defense? They will do it even better. The problem, of course, is the Lions' defense. Think of it this way: the Lions let 35-year-old Geno Smith complete 83.8% of his passes for 321 yards. And it makes you wonder: will Bryce Young have a monster day against the Lions? Yes. But the Lions will end up outscoring them.
The pick: Lions 35, Panthers 29.
Shawn Windsor
Let's give Detroit six more points this time. They'll need it to hold off Carolina and its promising young offense. Jared Goff is quietly playing as good a ball as he ever has. His level will be a little louder Sunday night in Charlotte.
The pick: Lions 37, Panthers 31.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions picks vs Panthers: A battle of flailing defenses?
