Lions vs. Panthers Free Pick
CHARLOTTE, NC (The Spread) – With Cam Newton expected to play today, how will he impact the Lions–Panthers game at 1:00PM ET?
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, the Panthers are 2.5-point favorites over the Lions while the over/under total is currently sitting at 44 points. Carolina opened as a 2.5-point favorite and the number hasn’t moved, while the total opened at 43.5 before being bet up slightly at most sports books.
The Lions are coming off a 35-14 win over the Giants as 6-point home favorites on “Monday Night Football.” Quarterback Matthew Stafford and receiver Calvin Johnson were magnificent in the win, as Stafford threw for 346 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions and Johnson caught seven passes for 164 yards and both scores. The Detroit defense also intercepted Eli Manning twice in the victory.
As for the Panthers, they shut down the Buccaneers’ offense for three quarters in route to a 20-14 victory as a 5.5-point road underdog. Subbing for the injured Newton, Derek Anderson completed 24-of-34 passes for 230 yards with two touchdowns in the victory. Carolina’s stingy defense also made life miserable for Tampa Bay quarterback Josh McCown, who did throw for two touchdowns late but was constantly scrambling for his life and who threw two interceptions.
NFL FREE PICK: Take the under. According to latest NFL trends, the under is 8-0 in the Panthers’ last eight games versus NFC opponents, 7-0 in their last seven games following an ATS win and 14-3 in their last 17 games following a straight up win. The under is also 5-0 in the Panthers’ last five games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous contest, 13-3 in their last 16 games on grass and 10-1 in their last 11 games overall dating back to last year. The Lions can put up points but the Panthers own the best front seven in football and with Newton likely having to shake off the rust, this should be a defensive battle through-in-through.
2014 NFL WEEK 2 FREE PICK: LIONS/PANTHERS UNDER 44
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