Lions vs. Panthers prediction, odds, spread, start time: 2023 NFL picks, Week 5 best bets from proven model
The Detroit Lions (3-1) look to continue their push towards a spot in the NFC playoffs when they host the winless Carolina Panthers (0-4) on Sunday in a NFL Week 5 contest. The Lions have won two-straight after knocking off the Green Bay Packers 34-20 on Thursday Night Football in Week 4. The Panthers aim to rebound from a hard-fought 21-13 loss to the Minnesota Vikings at home on Sunday. Carolina is 0-3-1 and Detroit is 3-1 against the spread in 2023.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET at Ford Field. Detroit is favored by 9.5 points in the latest Lions vs. Panthers odds, and the over/under for total points scored is 44. Before making any Lions vs. Panthers picks, you need to see the NFL predictions and betting advice from the computer simulation model at SportsLine.
The model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, is up well over $7,000 for $100 players on top-rated NFL picks since its inception. The model enters Week 5 of the 2023 NFL season on an incredible 168-118 run on top-rated NFL picks that dates back to the 2017 season. It is also on a 22-10 roll on top-rated NFL picks since Week 7 of last season.
The model also ranked in the top 10 on NFLPickWatch four of the past six years on straight-up NFL picks and beat more than 94% of CBS Sports Football Pick'em players four times during that span. Anyone who has followed it is way up.
Now, the model has set its sights on Lions vs. Panthers and just locked in its picks and NFL Week 5 predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NFL odds and betting lines for Panthers vs. Lions:
- Panthers vs. Lions spread: Lions -9
- Panthers vs. Lions over/under: 44 points
- Panthers vs. Lions money line: Lions -501, Panthers +367
- Panthers vs. Lions picks: See picks at SportsLine
- Panthers vs. Lions live stream: fubo (try for free)
Why the Lions can cover
The Lions last played on Thursday Night Football in Week 4, giving them extended rest heading into this one. Detroit has one of the most balanced offensive attacks in the NFL, with per game averages of 257.3 passing yards and 136.5 rushing yards. The combination of quarterback Jared Goff (1,029 passing yards, six touchdowns, three interceptions) and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (26 receptions, 331 yards, two TDs) is one of the premier quarterback-wide receiver connections in the NFL.
Defensively, the Lions have been elite at times in 2023. They enter this matchup ranked first in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (60.8) and fourth in total yards allowed per game (280.5). Detroit ranks seventh in the NFL in sacks (13) and 13th in points allowed per game (20.8). See which team to pick here.
Why the Panthers can cover
The Panthers are a young team in rebuilding mode, but they are playing hard for first-year head coach Frank Reich. They are still searching for their first win of the season, but haven't played a particularly easy schedule. The Panthers have been fairly effective on the defensive side of the ball allowing 313 total yards per game. Carolina's passing defense ranks sixth in the NFL, giving up 176.8 passing yards per game.
Rookie quarterback Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has struggled at times, but has also flashed signs of having Pro Bowl potential. Through three games, Young has completed 65% of his passes for 503 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. His top target has been veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, who enters Week 5 with 27 catches for 287 yards and two TDs. See which team to pick here.
How to make Panthers vs. Lions picks
The model has simulated Lions vs. Panthers 10,000 times and the results are in. It is leaning Under on the point total, and it also says one side of the spread hits more than 50% of the time. You can only see the model's Lions vs. Panthers pick at SportsLine.
