Fall 2024

NFL Week 5 Game of the Week: Carolina Panthers vs Detroit Lions

Week 5 of the NFL season takes up to Motown as the Detroit Lions host the Carolina Panthers. This is a matchup of two #1 drafted quarterbacks in Panthers Cam Newton (2011) and Lions Matt Stafford (2009).

Both teams look to improve to 4-1 in what could be a preview of a playoff matchup.

Jason Romano: Lions 27 – Panthers 20 – Detroit’s playing well and being home will be the difference. Expect a big game from Matthew Stafford.

UPSET: Dallas 30 – Green Bay 27 – Cowboys get a bit of revenge from their playoff loss last year. Dallas’ defense will make enough plays to secure the win at home.

Justin Adams: Lions 20 – Carolina 17 – This will be a defensive slugfest. Both Carolina and Detroit have given up 17.5 points per game this season. Be on the lookout for Lions defensive tackle and leading sack-getter Anthony Zettel who had two sacks last week.

UPSET: Texans 26 – Chiefs 23 – I am a believer in the DeShaun Watson experience! That and with Kansas City on a short week after sneaking away with win over Washington on Monday night. Houston gets it’s biggest win of the year in front of their home fans in primetime.

Jon Ackerman: Detroit 27 – Carolina 20 – These are two evenly matched teams through four games, so I give Detroit the edge at home. The Lions lead the league with a +9 giveaway/takeaway ratio, while the Panthers are -5.

UPSET: Seattle 30 – LA Rams 24 – When was the last time the Rams were favored to beat the Seahawks? Regardless, I don’t see it happening. The Rams are at home with more potential than they’ve had in years, but I see Seattle stealing the big divisional win.

Also, see our College Football Game of the Week Prediction.

Last week’s picks:

Jason: Raiders 24 – Broncos 17

Justin: Broncos 24 – Raiders 20

Jon: Broncos 27 – Raiders 24

Actual Result: Denver Broncos 16 – Oakland Raiders 10

Season Record: (Upsets Record in Parentheses) 

Jason: 2-2 (1-2)

Justin: 4-0 (2-1)

Jon: 3-1 (0-3)