Neither the Lions nor the Panthers have experienced smooth sailing this August. Detroit won once – in Week 1 vs the Giants – mostly courtesy of some good defence and a thrilling punt returned for a major score. Last week they fell at home to the Jaguars 25-7 and looked moribund. The Panthers have arguably struggled even more. Carolina was shut out by the Jets in Week 1 and before losing to the Giants 21-19 in Week 2.

Check out the NFL preseason odds as they develop.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

The last time the Lions and Panthers got out their claws was on Christmas Eve last year. Detroit entered Charlotte in full stride, riding a significant winning streak that put them in a position to possibly earn a playoff berth. It all came crashing down with a terrible 37-23 defeat. It was Detroit’s fourth defeat in the previous five meetings with the Panthers. The Panthers have won the last three home games versus the Lions.

Through two games, Detroit is 1-1 against the spread. They’ve been the underdog at home twice. The over is also 1-1.

Thanks to a fourth-quarter comeback away at the Giants, the Panthers managed to cover the spread, if barely. That puts them at 1-1 this preseason. Much like in the Lions’ case, the over earned the spoils last week too, putting it at 1-1.

Detroit Lions

Unlike in Week 1 versus the Giants, there was no significant special teams play to spark the Lions to a comeback in Week 2. What resulted was a very bad loss that didn’t reflect well on certain players hoping to stick around long-term.

One can always chalk some things up to the argument that “it’s only preseason” but tallying nine first downs to the opponent’s 22 is simply not a good statistic. Third down efficiency was an ignominious 1-for-12. Jacksonville, led by QB C.J. Beathard throwing darts, outgained Detroit 399 to 131, a ridiculous discrepancy. The hosts went with Teddy Bridgewater and Nate Sudfeld under centre. Neither looked comfortable. Bridgewater was 5-for-11, 34 yards. Sudfeld finished 9-for-18, 80 yards, and another interception that was entirely his fault. The 25-7 final was fully deserved.

Detroit never got into gear. They couldn’t move the ball and they rarely made the stops they needed when Jacksonville drove down the field. For the second week in a row, Jaguars running back tank Bigsby looked quite good, tallying 70 yards on 13 touches.

Carolina Panthers

Were it not for a decent fourth quarter, the Carolina Panthers would be entering this final preseason game as arguably the worst team out of all 32 this August. The 21-19 defeat at the hands of the Giants belied just how much work needs to be done in the Panthers’ camp.

Heading into the second half it was a 21-3 game favouring the host Giants and a 21-6 contest when the final period commenced. Most of the statistical categories, like total yards gained and third down efficiency, were comparable between the sides, but again, that was largely due to a spirited fourth quarter by Carolina. Quarterback Jake Luton only completed two passes, but one was a beautiful lollipop toss into the end zone that was corralled by Gary Jennings. Bryce Young started the game but was again limited in action. He went 3-for-6 and 35 yards. With only a single game in August left, it’s quite clear we’ll only find out what Young can do in the NFL once the regular season begins.

“It’s only preseason” but one gets the sense that both of this week’s opponents enter their final preparatory match with more questions than answers.

Who Will Win Lions vs. Panthers?

LIONS

Away

17

PANTHERS

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