Panthers Lions Odds

Written by Jack Jones

Two teams looking to bounce back from embarrassing losses square off Sunday when the Detroit Lions host the Carolina Panthers in Week 11 NFL action. The Lions suffered a 24-point road loss to the Chicago Bears, while the Panthers were dealt a 27-point home loss by the Tennessee Titans. These teams have faced each other four times since the turn of the century, and Carolina has won all four. The Panthers won their most recent meeting with the Lions at home in 2008 by a final of 31-22.

The books in Las Vegas have installed a line of Detroit -7 over Carolina and a total set of 47.5 points.

Detroit

After a 5-0 start to the season, the Lions have lost three of their last four. Detroit (6-3, 2-2 home) suffered back-to-back home defeats to the 49ers and Falcons before rebounding with a 45-10 win at Denver. After a bye week, they went on the road to face the Chicago Bears and suffered their worst loss of the season. Chicago won that game 37-13 thanks to two interceptions returned for touchdowns, and an 83-yard punt return for a score by Devin Hester.

Detroit arguably outplayed the Bears as they outgained them 393-216 for the game. But the Lions committed six turnovers, which proved to be the difference in the game. Matthew Stafford went 33 of 63 passing for 329 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions. Nate Burleson had eight receptions for 83 yards, and Calvin Johnson added seven grabs for 81 yards. Stafford threw two pick-6’s early in the third quarter to prevent any chance of a comeback after falling behind 20-6 by halftime.

Detroit ranks 13th in the league in total offense (360.0 yards/game), but just 27th in rushing (93.6 yards/game). A big reason they cannot get their ground game going is because starting running back Jahvid Best has missed the last three games with a concussion. He is doubtful to play Sunday as well. The Lions ranks 7th in the NFL in total defense (318.4 yards/game), including 4th against the pass (184.0 yards/game). They are sixth in the league in sacks (26). Stafford is completing 59.7 percent of his passes for 2,508 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions to lead the offense, while Calvin Johnson has 54 receptions for 885 yards and 11 scores.

Carolina

The Panthers have been on a roller coaster ride in 2011 that includes several near-misses. Carolina (2-7, 0-3 away) suffered five of their first six defeats by seven points or less. The one exception was a 31-17 road loss at Atlanta, but the Panthers led that game by a field goal in the fourth quarter. Without question, their worst loss of the season came last week in a 3-30 home defeat at the hands of the Titans. Tennessee thoroughly dominated this one despite Carolina coming into the game off a bye week.

Carolina was outgained 383-279 by Tennessee. The Panthers committed two turnovers, and they were also called for 12 penalties that resulted in 96 free yards for the Titans. Cam Newton was not sharp, completing 23 of 40 passes for 212 yards with an interception. Chris Johnson had a big day on the ground, rushing for 130 yards and a score as the Titans racked up 172 rushing yards as a team.

Despite a poor effort last week, the Panthers still rank 6th in the league in total offense (400.0 yards/game). They rank 19th in total defense (361.5 yards/game). Considering they are outgaining their opponents by nearly 40 yards/game, this team should not be 2-7 on the season. They will be trying to put an end to a franchise-worst 11-game road losing streak Sunday. To do so, they’ll need Newton to get back to his usual self. The rookie quarterback is completing 60.2 percent of his passes for 2,605 yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He has also rushed for 374 yards and a team-high seven scores.

Betting Trends

The Panthers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home. However, Carolina is just 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games as an underdog, and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 road games.

The Lions are 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 games overall, and 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games following a blowout loss by more than 14 points. This has been a bad month for Detroit as they are just 6-21-1 ATS in their last 28 games in November.

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