Detroit Lions vs. Carolina Panthers, 11/18/18 Predictions & Odds

Panthers vs. Lions Prediction

Can the Carolina Panthers avoid a letdown on the road when they take on the Detroit Lions this afternoon at 1PM ET?

Game Snapshot & Odds

451 Carolina Panthers at 452 Detroit Lions

Sunday, November 18, 2018

1PM ET – Ford Field

TV: FOX

Public Betting Trends

According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Panthers are favored on the road, as they are getting odds of -4.5 points against the Lions. The over/under total is currently listed at 49.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 77 percent going on the Panthers on the road.

Lions losers of three straight

The Lions have lost three straight games coming into this week, with all three losses being by double figures. Their latest loss was a 34-22 at Chicago where they trailed 26-0. The Lions are now 3-6 on the year, 5-4 against the spread and 6-3 with the over. Detroit has failed to cover in three straight as well.

Detroit has been struggling on both sides of the ball lately, but the offense is most surprising. The team is averaging just 22.4 points and 367.7 yards per game on the year. Matthew Stafford has thrown for 2,385 yards and 16 touchdowns with eight interceptions, but he has been much less aggressive this year than previous seasons. The team traded Golden Tate a few weeks ago, which may not be helping. Kenny Golladay is the team’s leading receiver with 39 catches for 601 yards and four scores while rookie Kerryon Johnson has rushed for 554 yards and two scores. Defensively, the Lions are giving up 27.1 points and 381.6 yards per game. Injuries have been piling up for the unit, as cornerback Darius Slay sat out last week with a knee injury and is questionable to play on Sunday.

Panthers hoping to bounce back

The Carolina Panthers had a 3-game win streak come to an end last week in a 52-21 loss at Pittsburgh on Thursday Night Football. The loss moved Carolina to 6-3 on the season. The Panthers are 5-4 against the spread and 6-3 with the over. They are 3-1 against the spread over their last four.

Carolina has put up pretty good numbers this year, averaging 26.8 points per game despite only averaging 371.7 yards per game. Cam Newton has thrown for 2,086 yards and 17 touchdowns this year while rushing for 352 yards and four scores. Christian McCaffrey has been heating up lately, and he has rushed for 579 yards and four touchdowns while catching 54 passes for 439 yards and four scores. Defensively, the Panthers give up 25.8 points and 371.9 yards per game. Their pass defense is suspect, as Carolina is giving up 272.9 yards per game through the air, but they do have a good pass rush behind Mario Addison and his 7.5 sacks.

NFL Betting Trends

Detroit

The Lions are 3-10 against the spread in their last 13 against a winning team and 0-3-1 ATS in their last four in November.

Carolina

The Panthers are 10-1 against the spread in their last 11 games following a loss and 5-1 ATS in their last six games in November.

Prediction:

The Lions look lifeless. They were manhandled by Chicago before rallying late to make it look interesting. It wasn’t that close. The Panthers have had a few extra days rest and have to be chomping at the bit to get the Pittsburgh game out of their minds. Look for the Panthers to start fast and take the will out of the Lions right away. The Carolina defense will get pressure on Stafford and the Carolina offense should be able to run right through the Detroit defensive front.

NFL Prediction: Carolina Panthers -4.5

Related: Panthers vs. Lions Total Prediction