The Detroit Lions will hope to register back-to-back wins for the first time this season when they travel to Bank of America Stadium to take on the Carolina Panthers in the early hours of Monday.
Detroit are 2-1 for the season after a crazy start to their campaign, with each of their three games containing at least 55 points. Dan Campbell's team have beaten the New Orleans Saints 31-30 and the New York Jets 31-24, while their only defeat was a 41-31 setback against the Buffalo Bills.
Carolina were hammered 59-37 by the Chicago Bears in Week 1, before they responded by beating the Atlanta Falcons 34-3. They were then edged out by the Cleveland Browns 21-18 last week, but thanks to their points-for-record, the Panthers are top of the NFC South heading into Week 4.
Carolina Panthers v Detroit Lions Betting Tips
Best Bet - Detroit Lions -3.5 @ 20/23
Alternative Bet - Over 50.5 Points @ 5/6
Bet Builder - Jared Goff Over 259.5 Passing Yards, Bryce Young Over 244.5 Passing Yards, Tetairoa McMillan Over 70.5 Receiving Yards, Amon-Ra St.Brown Over 76.5 Receiving Yards @ 21/4
Carolina Panthers v Detroit Lions Prediction
Best Bet: Detroit Lions -3.5 @ 20/23
Detroit's offence is as good as it gets and they have weapons all over the park. Quarterback Jared Goff is still playing at a high level and alongside pass catchers Amon-Ra St.Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa and Sam LaPorta, the Lions have one of the best running backs in the game in Jahmyr Gibbs.
They have racked up some incredible numbers so far this season and should have no issues doing the same against the Panthers.
Carolina have lost starting cornerback duo Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, leaving fourth-round pick Will Lee III to try to stop the Lions' onslaught.
He has allowed a catch on eight of 16 targets already, so the Lions should be able to march downfield and rack up the points on the road.
Alternative Bet: Over 50.5 Points @ 5/6
Detroit have allowed 31.7 points per game, which is the most in the NFL and Carolina should be able to play their part in helping the points pile up.
The Lions have allowed 16 completions of 20+ yards and four completions of 40+ yards, so expect Carolina to have no issues moving the ball themselves and making this another entertaining game involving Detroit.
Carolina Panthers v Detroit Lions Bet Builder Tip
Jared Goff Over 259.5 Passing Yards
Bryce Young Over 244.5 Passing Yards
Tetairoa McMillan Over 70.5 Receiving Yards
Amon-Ra St.Brown Over 76.5 Receiving Yards
Pays 21/4
The Lions' inability to stop big passing plays should help Young throw for at least 245 yards on Monday. He has thrown for a minimum of 287 yards in all three games this season.
Opposite number Goff should also play a huge role. He has surpassed 260 passing yards in two of his three games and faces a weakened Carolina secondary.
Lions receiver St.Brown will be the main beneficiary of the Panthers' injuries as he looks to add to his 228 receiving yards this season. Against a banged-up Panthers secondary, he can pass his line of 76.5.
Tetairoa McMillan is Young's primary target, catching five of eight targets for 75 yards against Chicago and five of 10 for 101 yards against the Falcons. He didn't make much of an impact against the Browns last week but the Lions will offer opportunities for him to bounce back.
Learn more about how Bet Builders work in our Bet Builder guide.
Key Match Stats
The Detroit Lions are 0-2-1 against the spread this season
Detroit have conceded 95 points in three games, the joint-most in the NFL
The over is 3-0 in Lions' games in 2026
The Carolina Panthers are 1-2 against the spread this season
Carolina have the most passing yards per game in the NFL with 295.7
Detroit have allowed 416.7 yards per game on defence, the second-highest in the NFL
Tactics, Form and Team News
Carolina guard Damien Lewis has been ruled out with an elbow injury and he joins Xavier Legette on the sidelines this week.
Offensive tackle Monroe Freeling, wide receiver Jalen Coker and defensive tackles Cam Jackson and Lee Hunter are all listed as questionable.
Jackson and Horn were placed on the injured reserve list earlier this week.
Detroit guard Ben Bartch is out with a foot injury, while Avonte Maddox and Thomas Harper are on the injured reserve list.
Brian Branch and Cade Mays are also on the IR list, but are close to returning in the coming weeks, while cornerback D.J. Reed is listed as questionable.
Read more NFL betting tips and predictions on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
