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Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers features in our Lions vs. Panthers prediction.
Bryce Young #9 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball during the first half of a preseason game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on August 18, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFP

As the preseason comes to a close, Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers will face off against the Detroit Lions for their last tuneup game on Friday night. Let’s analyze the Lions vs. Panthers matchup and make predictions based on the top NFL odds available.

The Carolina Panthers will have a final chance to evaluate rookie quarterback Bryce Young in their last preseason game against the Detroit Lions before the regular season starts.

The Panthers’ first-team offense, led by Young, has struggled to make an impact in the team’s first two games. The top draft pick has completed 7 out of 12 passes for 56 yards in the preseason, only managing to lead one scoring drive resulting in a field goal. Additionally, Young has been sacked twice and faced several hits from opposing defenses.

The Panthers’ head coach, Frank Reich, has confirmed that the offensive starters will be taking the field in the preseason finale.

“We plan on playing Bryce and our offensive starters in the last preseason game, even though many teams choose not to. We want to get more reps and establish a rhythm on the field. The exact number of plays is still to be determined, but we will adjust as needed.” Coach Reich told Panthers.com’s Augusta Stone.

As the Panthers focus on establishing an offensive rhythm in Friday’s game, it seems that the Lions have decided to sit out the rest of the preseason.

Detroit head coach Dan Campbell said, “I anticipate it will closely resemble the first two games,” when discussing his strategy for the preseason finale. According to Jeff Risdon of USA Today, the Lions have chosen to rest their starting players in every game so far.

Based on this information, we have formulated our top prediction for the Lions vs. Panthers game (odds sourced from our top NFL betting platforms; confidence level rated on a scale of 1 to 5 stars).

Lions vs. Panthers prediction

Panthers by 1-13 points (+135 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐

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Motivation plays a significant role in betting on the NFL preseason.

We can expect to see Young and the Panthers’ offensive starters play for at least a series or two. Although this doesn’t guarantee they will score points (as they were shut out 27-0 in their first preseason game), it does indicate that Carolina will try to score before bringing in the backups.

The Lions have a valid justification for resting their key players in a preseason game that holds little significance. Unlike most NFL teams that will have a two-week break before the regular season kicks off, Detroit will be facing the Kansas City Chiefs in the season opener on Sept. 7. To avoid the risk of injury to players like Jared Goff, the Lions will be giving quarterbacks Nate Sudfeld, Teddy Bridgewater, and Adrian Martinez more playing time to finish out the preseason.

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Sudfeld has taken on most of the workload for the Lions, throwing three interceptions in two games. Bridgewater, who was signed on Aug. 7, completed five of 11 passes for 34 yards in limited action. Martinez played only in the first game, going 4-for-7 for 37 yards. He may see more playing time on Friday.

Even though Panthers backup quarterbacks Matt Corral and Jake Luton have had their struggles this preseason, they have displayed enough potential to be given the responsibility of leading the team to victory by a margin of one to 13 points.

Lions vs. Panthers best odds

FanDuel (+135)

As of Thursday afternoon, FanDuel stands out as the sole sports betting app among our top picks to provide a winning margin prop. Other books are currently limited to offering spreads, totals, and moneylines.

The Panthers have not won a game in the preseason and therefore we do not feel confident in betting on them to win by 14 or more points at odds of +230.

Make sure to utilize our FanDuel promo code for the most advantageous odds in this game. New customers in the U.S. can receive a $200 bonus on their first $5 bet, as well as $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket.

Lions vs. Panthers odds

Lions vs. Panthers odds analysis

The Panthers initially opened as 3-point favorites, but the spread has since shifted to -4.5 at most sportsbooks. The moneyline opened at -160 and is now ranging from -190 to -225.

There has been little change in the total, which started at 37. By comparing prices, you may find a rogue 36.5 and 37.5.

Lions vs. Panthers game info

  • Date: Friday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m. ET
  • TV: CBS
  • Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC
  • Weather: 87 degrees, mostly sunny, 0% chance of precipitation

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