There's legitimacy to thinking this is a bounce-back spot for Lions, but I love the Panthers in this spot. Not only do they have extra rest coming off a Thursday night game, it was an embarrassing showing for a Carolina team that is way better than it looked against Pittsburgh, meaning there has been plenty of time for the players to stew about the defeat. Detroit has been unable to protect Matt Stafford all year -- I should know, I have him on two fantasy teams -- and the Lions' weapons keep diminishing with Marvin Jones now injured just two weeks after they traded Golden Tate. I just don't see Detroit winning or covering given the circumstances.

Despite the blowout loss last week to the Steelers, I don't think the Panthers' offense played "that bad" against them. Defensively they didn't have any answers for the Steelers passing game. They won't have to worry about that here against the Lions. It's been a struggle on both sides of the ball this year for Detroit to find that level of consistency, which is why they are playing losing football this season. The Panthers' defense, combined with the best player on the field offensively in QB Cam Newton, will keep the Lions reeling.

The metrics say this is a fair line, but I just don't think the gap between these two teams is seven points on a neutral field. Carolina's defense hasn't played well, ranking 24th in DVOA and 26th in points allowed per drive. Detroit's offense hasn't impressed in its last two games, but those game against Minnesota and Chicago on the road. This is a much easier matchup, and I think Detroit has a good enough offense to rally in the second half if we need the backdoor cover.

The Lions offense hasn't been at its best the last few weeks, but that's what playing road games against the Vikings and Bears will do to you. They should have more success at home against a Carolina defense that's 24th in DVOA and 26th in points allowed per drive. The Lions also have a putrid defense, and Carolina should come in fresh off their mini-bye looking to rack up some points. 51 points isn't that much in today's NFL, and this is a matchup primed for plenty of scoring.