The Detroit Lions (2-1) and the Carolina Panthers (1-2) meet for Sunday Night Football in Week 4 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC / Peacock). Let's analyze NFL odds around the Lions vs. Panthers odds and make our expert NFL picks and predictions for the best bets.
Panthers lead the all-time series 8-4; the Lions won the most recent meeting 42-24 at Ford Field in Detroit on Oct. 8, 2023. The last time these teams met in Charlotte, the Panthers posted a 37-23 victory on Dec. 24, 2022.
The Lions have scored exactly 31 points in each of the first 3 games this season -- how's that for consistency? The Lions racked up a 31-24 win in Week 3 at home against the New York Jets, earning their
first cover of the season -- barely -- as a 6.5-point favorite. The Over has cashed in every game this season for Detroit. RB Jahmyr Gibbs is on fire, running for 307 yards and 4 scores through the first 3 games and adding 18 receptions for 156 yards and 2 TDs.
The Panthers were tripped up in Cleveland by the surprisingly hot Browns last Sunday, falling 21-18. Carolina had averaged 35.5 points in its first 2 outings. The Panthers also allowed 59 points to the Chicago Bears in Week 1, but they've given up just 24 points in the past 2 outings. QB Bryce Young has a pair of games with 3 passing TDs to date.
THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: Best prop bets
Lions at Panthers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:50 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Lions -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Panthers +165 (bet $100 to win $160)
- Against the spread (ATS): Lions -3.5 (-110) | Panthers +3.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 51 (O: -112 | U: -105)
Lions at Panthers injuries
Lions
- OT Ben Bartch (foot) out
- CB D.J. Reed (rib) questionable
Panthers
- WR Jalen Coker (quadriceps) questionable
- OT Monroe Freeling (concussion) questionable
- DT Lee Hunter (foot) questionable
- DT Cam Jackson (knee) questionable
- WR Xavier Legette (knee) out (reserve/injured)
- OG Damien Lewis (elbow) out
USA TODAY Sports Fantasy: Sync your ESPN, Yahoo, CBS or Sleeper league in seconds to unlock custom roster advice, expert projections, and start/sit recommendations built for your team. Stop guessing and start winning. Sync your league now!
Watch the NFL on Fubo!
Lions at Panthers picks and predictions
Prediction
Lions 31, Panthers 27
Moneyline
The Lions (-200) will set you back 2 times your potential return, and that's just a little too steep of a price for a road favorite, although if you were to toss them into a multi-leg parlay, that's perfectly OK.
AVOID.
Against the spread
The lean is LIONS -3.5 (-110), but roll with a half-unit play at most.
The Detroit offense might have the best player going in the game right now, as Gibbs has been gobbling huge tracts of real estate while finding the end zone on a regular basis. Even if Carolina has a plan to slow Gibbs, it still might not make much difference.
Over/Under
OVER 51 (-112) is big number, but it might not be high enough.
Again, Detroit has scored 31 points in each of the first 3 games while Carolina allowed 59 points at home in Week 1 and scored 71 points over the first 2 games before crashing back to Earth in Cleveland last weekend. In Week 4, don't expect a lot of defense.
Betting odds calculator
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow Daniel Dobish on X at @danieledobish. Follow SportsbookWire on X at SportsBookWire and on Facebook.
Access more NFL coverage:
USA TODAY Sports Fantasy | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire | High schools
This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers odds, picks and predictions
Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it.
Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.
