Carolina Panthers vs. Detroit Lions: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

Since starting the season 5-0, the Detroit Lions have fallen off considerably recently, with a 1-3 record in their past four games. They'll look to reverse their fortunes on Sunday when they host the 2-7 Carolina Panthers.

The Lions were humbled last week by the Chicago Bears and are now tied with them for second in the NFC North behind the Green Bay Packers. The Lions will surely be in a major battle for the wild card down the stretch, so every win is absolutely vital.

Carolina may seem like a failure based upon its record, but the improvement in the team has been evident. Rookie quarterback Cam Newton has had a couple tough games recently, but he is the reason why they are often competitive as he leads the Panthers in passing and rushing.

The Panthers have a habit of keeping games close, so the Lions will want to try to put this one to bed early and get a much-needed win. There's no telling what the dazzling Newton is capable of, though, so the Panthers have a puncher's chance.

Where: Ford Field in Detroit, Mich.

When: Sunday, Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. EDT

Watch: FOX; FOX Charlotte (Carolina) and WJBK FOX 2 (Detroit)

Spread: Detroit (-7)

The Lions need this win badly and are clearly the superior team from top to bottom, so I think they'll be able to take care of business in this one. Seven points in sort of an in-between line, but Detroit should have no trouble scoring on Carolina's mediocre defense.

Newton and the Panthers offense will probably get on the board some as well, but I don't think that they'll be able to hang with Detroit, particularly if quarterback Matthew Stafford is back on his game after a rough Week 10 performance.

Over/Under: 47.5

An over/under of 47.5 is basically right on the number as far as this game goes, so I personally wouldn't touch it. If I was forced to, though, I would go with the over since this game features two teams with offenses that are capable of lighting up the scoreboard.

Both defenses have also struggled in recent weeks, meaning there is the potential for some offensive fireworks. I don't think this game will reach shootout territory, but there should be enough points from both sides to beat the over.

Panthers' Key Injuries

Doubtful: TE Jeremy Shockey (ribs)

Questionable: LB Dan Connor (shoulder), LB Jason Phillips (calf)

Probable: LB James Anderson (ankle), DB Captain Munnerlyn (quad)

Lions' Key Injuries

Questionable: RB Jahvid Best (concussion), DL Lawrence Jackson (thigh), DL Willie Young (ankle), DB Amari Spievey (toe)

Probable: QB Matthew Stafford (finger)

Fantasy Big Plays

QB Matthew Stafford (DET): Stafford started off the season in spectacular fashion, as did the Lions. He has been fairly inconsistent since, however, and his play has mirrored that of the team as a whole. The Lions will be looking to make a statement on Sunday, though, and against Carolina's porous defense, Stafford should return to form.

RB Maurice Morris (DET): The Lions are a passing team through and through, but the Panthers have the league's 28th-ranked run defense, so Maurice Morris should get more touches than usual. Morris hasn't been utilized much in the absence of Jahvid Best, but he should be successful in keeping the Panthers honest this weekend.

Keys to Panthers Win

For the most part, Carolina's success comes down to Newton, but the sensational rookie can't do it all by himself. Newton figures to be under siege against the Lions' strong pass-rush, so he will need some support from his running game, which is something he hasn't gotten all season long.

I think the coaching staff has been a bit too enamored with Newton's skill and has abandoned the run too often. The combination of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart should be rivaling any running back tandem in the league. The Lions can be beaten on the ground, so if the Panthers commit to the run, then they may be able to out-muscle Detroit.

Keys to Lions Win

Like the Panthers, the Lions have to be more balanced on offense if they hope to win this game. Stafford had to throw the ball 63 times last week which is entirely too much. Detroit has to get Morris and the running game going or else it may expose Stafford once again.

Defensively, it will be paramount to get pressure on Newton and not allow him to break contain. If Detroit sits back, then Newton will pick them apart, so a strong pass-rush is necessary. Newton is equally dangerous with his legs, though, so the Lions will have to be cognizant of that. If they can bother Newton, then the Panthers will have a lot of trouble coming out on top.

Prediction

Lions 31, Panthers 21