The "Sunday Night Football" matchup between the Carolina Panthers and the Detroit Lions could be one of Week 4's most explosive games.
It's not just because both Carolina and Detroit's offenses have been very good to start the season. It's also because their defenses have holes opponents can exploit.
Take the Lions, for example. While Detroit is averaging 31 points per game, third-most in the NFL, the Lions are surrendering a league-high 31.7 points per outing. That's largely thanks to a leaky secondary that has struggled to contain opposing passing games without star safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph.
Meanwhile, the Panthers have been better defensively since surrendering 59 points to the Chicago Bears in Week 1, but they may take a step
back in Week 4. Carolina had to put both of its starting cornerbacks, Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, on IR with injuries. That leaves Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown with plenty of ways to exploit the Panthers' secondary while Jahmyr Gibbs will wreak havoc on Carolina's shaky run defense.
Here's everything to know about the Week 4 "Sunday Night Football" game, from start time to betting odds:
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What time does Panthers vs. Lions NFL game start?
The Panthers vs. Lions "Sunday Night Football" game will kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 4.
The matchup between NFC playoff hopefuls will be the last of a 13-game NFL Sunday slate. The first game of the day will begin at 9:30 a.m. ET, when the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders face off in the NFL's first London game of the season.
What TV channel is 'Sunday Night Football' on tonight?
NBC is the home of "Sunday Night Football" and will broadcast the Week 4 game between the Panthers and Lions.
Per usual, Mike Tirico (play-by-play) and Cris Collinsworth (game analyst) will be on the call. Melissa Stark will serve as the sideline reporter for the broadcast while Maria Taylor will host the pregame, halftime and postgame programs along with Mike Tomlin, Devin McCourty, Jason Garrett and Mike Florio.
Panthers vs. Lions live stream
- Live stream: Peacock or Fubo
Cord-cutters can also stream the "Sunday Night Football" game on Peacock or Fubo, which offers a free trial.
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Panthers vs. Lions predictions, picks, odds
Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook as of Thursday, Oct. 1.
- Lions 31, Panthers 28: "Neither the Lions nor the Panthers will be able to significantly slow each other down. That should create a high-scoring game that comes down to the final possession. In the end, Goff and Gibbs provide the Lions the balance they need to eke out a victory and stay in the thick of the early-season NFC North race." – Jacob Camenker
- Spread: Lions -3.5
- Over/under: 51
- Moneyline: Lions (-200); Panthers (+165)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What channel is the Panthers vs Lions on today? Time, schedule to watch Sunday Night Football
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