Detroit Lions predictions 2017: Week 5 vs. Carolina Panthers
By Zac Snyder
The Detroit Jock City writers make their predictions for the Detroit Lions’ week five home game against the Carolina Panthers.
Each week, the Detroit Jock City staff will make their picks for that week’s Detroit Lions game with a quick take on the matchup and a final score.
The Lions may be off to a 3-1 start but only three of our nine pickers can boast that or better, with only one picking each Lions win or loss correctly so far.
Here is what the DJC staff sees for this week’s game against the Carolina Panthers.
Mike Rizzo (4-0) – Cam Newton has struggled so far this year and Carolina’s defense has given up 30 points or more two weeks in a row. Cam Newton struggling and the Panthers defense also struggling bodes well for the Lions. On top of that, I think Ameer Abdullah gets 100 yards rushing! Lions 30, Panthers 20
Bruce Walker (3-1) – The 3-1 Carolina Panthers are coming into a dangerous 3-1 Lion’s den this week. I watched a fair amount of film on the Panthers. They seem to like running the ball wide to both sides with reverses and option plays. Cam Newton is not very careful with the ball, having thrown five interceptions, which is tied for third worst in the NFL. As a team, the Panthers rank 29th in turnover ratio at minus five. Conversely, the Detroit Lions are in first place in that category, setting a record pace at plus nine on the season. I expect Jarrad Davis to play and his speed and quickness will help contain the Panthers running game. Standing room only tickets will make Fore Field crazy! The Lions will continue to impress and there is no place like home! Lions 31, Panthers 13
Jack Ozark (3-1) – No pick
Matt Bosko (2-2) – The Lions defense is for real, and Cam Newton and the Panthers will realize as much on Sunday. Despite several injuries, the unit has been able to generate a league-leading 11 turnovers through the first four games of the season. They will certainly add to that total against the Panthers in front of a raucous crowd at Ford Field. Lions 27, Panthers 17
Zack Caldwell (2-2) – I am a 24-year-old Detroit Lions football fan. It is a fact the Detroit Lions have never won a playoff game in my lifetime. And yet, here I am after four weeks and feel…weirdly confident? Are the Lions really this good? Does the city of Detroit actually have a good professional football team?
Well, to answer the question is yes. I was convinced after the victory over the Minnesota Vikings. In years past, the defense would have folded or the offense would have a dumb turnover and blow the game. Yet, the team hung in there, created turnovers, and played smart football. The Carolina Panthers are a solid football team but I think the Lions defense will be absolutely gunning for Cam Newton. If Jarrad Davis plays, the Lions defense will only get better. Matt Stafford is due for a 300 yard game and Golden Tate makes a huge play for a Lions victory. Lions 27, Panthers 14
Zac Snyder (2-2) – It hasn’t always been pretty, but at 3-1 it’s mostly been effective for the Detroit Lions this season. Perhaps most impressive in their start to the season is that they have found a way to win in a variety of ways with major contributions coming at different times from the offense, defense and special teams. The Lions have shown they are for real so far this season, which makes their week five matchup with the Panthers a “should win.” Lions 20, Panthers 17
Colton Wesley (2-2) – No pick
Matt Snyder (1-3) – The Lions have exceeded all expectations in the early going with a 3-1 record. The defense has mostly carried the team but one can’t shake the feeling that they’ve benefited from some turnover luck. The takeaway numbers are bound to regress which will mean more points allowed by the defense. The Lions could have trouble beating Cam Newton’s Panthers if they can’t get the offense to click with regularity. Panthers 20, Lions 17
Ash Thompson (1-3) – No pick
Next: Who are the 2017 Detroit Lions?
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