Sunday Night Football: Lions vs. Panthers — NFL Expert Picks & Predictions (10/4)
Written by: Varun Sharma
Last Update: Sun Oct 04, 2026, 2:11 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
nfl
Spread
Total
Moneyline
-3.5
-115
52
-110u
-200
Spread
Total
Moneyline
+4.0
-110
51.0
-105o
+182
We've got a great matchup for Sunday Night Football this week. The Detroit Lions will take on the Carolina Panthers live from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Two offenses that rank top-5 in points this year and two defenses that rank bottom-10 in points allowed. It's no surprise we're getting a total of 50 in this game, two really good offenses and two really bad defenses.
Let's jump right into it.
For additional information on picks, props, moneylines, and more on today's slate, take a look at our NFL Picks Page or our NFL Odds Page.
Game Information
Chubba Hubbard looks to build on his amazing season last year in Carolina
Check out the Best USA Sportsbooks here!
Matchup Information
- Location: Bank of America Stadium; Charlotte, North Carolina
- Date: Sunday, October 4th, 2026
- Kickoff: 8:20 PM EST
Quarterback Matchup
- Detroit Lions: Jared Goff (2025: 9-8; 268.5 YPG | 34 TD | 8 INT)
- Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young (2025: 8-8 | 188.2 YPG | 23 TD | 11 INT)
Betting Odds
Odds via Lucky Rebel, an industry leader in the sports betting world.
Analysis & Breakdown
Kitty Cat Defense
The Detroit Lions have one of the scariest offenses in all of football The team's averaging 31.0 points per game this year (3rd), 368.3 total yards per game (9th) and they're converting 79% of their redzone trips into touchdowns (6th).
The problem is they've been almost equally as bad on defense. The Lions are giving up 31.7 points per game this year (31st), they're allowing 416.7 total yards per game (31st) and they've given up the most touchdowns in the NFL so far (13).
Despite having one of the worst defenses in the NFL, the Lions have won two of their three games and it's all because of this offense.
Jared Goff's averaging 267.3 pass yards per game so far this year, he's thrown 8 touchdowns and has zero turnovers. Amon-Ra St. Brown's caught 5 of Goff's 8 touchdown passes, averaging 76.0 yards per game and just under 8 catches per game.
Out of the backfield, they've got one of the best; the one and only Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs is averaging 152.3 total yards from scrimmage per game this year, he's scored 6 touchdowns through three games and he's averaging 5.7 yards per touch.
Black Cats
The Carolina Panthers offense looked great through the first two weeks of the season. The Panthers put up 37 points in a Week 1 loss to the Bears and followed that up by hanging 34 on the Falcons in a win.
Then they came out last week in Cleveland and laid a dud. The Panthers finisherd with 360 yards of offense but just 18 total points. The team went 1/3 from the redzone and that put them at 62% on the year from within 20.
Detroit's 31st in opponent redzone efficiency, so this would be the perfect time to get this offense back on track.
Bryce Young's looked fantastic through the first three weeks. He's averaging 313.0 pass yards per game, he's thrown 7 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions. Young's averaging 40.3 pass attempts per game and Head Coach Dave Canales has made it abundantly clear; they're going to pass a ton.
Last year it was the Panthers defense that carried this team, this year it's been the opposite. The team's allowing 27.7 points per game (25th), 365.7 total yards per game (28th) and most of those yards have come on the ground.
The Panthers rank dead last in rush yards allowed this year (193.3/game) and this week they take on hottest RB in the league.
Sunday Night's Best Bets
Darren Waller Anytime Touchdown (+240) | Lucky Rebel
The Panthers need to be better in the redzone this week and they need to finish drives. Bryce Young also has a history of performing significantly better in his home stadium and tonight against this soft Lions' defense I love Waller.
The Panthers will also be without Jalen Coker tonight and without him in the slot, I'm assuming we'll see Waller's snaps out there go up.
The Lions have allowed 9 touchdowns through the air this year and 6 of those have gone to TEs. Jack Campbell has had to step up in coverage with the departure of Alex Anzolne and he's been struggling.
Campbell's been target 14 times this year, he's given up 12 catches for 145 yards and 2 touchdowns. Waller's snap share has increased every week, his target share has gone up every single week and his routes run continue to increase.
He's developing a bigger role in this offense and in the redzone is where he's the most dangerous.
Looking for More
More NFL News
NFL Betting News
NFL Week 4 Staff Picks: Best Bets & Props from our NFL Staff
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Follow me on 'X' @VSaaauce for all my picks and sports takes you didn't ask for! Follow Betting News on 'X' and Twitch and catch us on stream! Betting News is also on TikTok! Follow us for more picks, and news!
Looking for a great promo for a new sportsbook? Check out our reviews of the best sportsbooks.
You may know me as ‘VSaaauce’. I’ve been a die hard hoops fan my entire life. I’ve been betting on the NBA/NCAAB/NFL/MLB for six years now, each year gaining more and more knowledge about being a profitable handicapper. I’m eager to learn, and eager to pass on everything I’ve gained over the last few years. I started my Twitter page four years ago, and this community makes me so thankful I did. Outside of sports and handicapping, I enjoy traveling, hoopin, a strong espresso and I’m currently studying to obtain my MD. I’m all about the vibes, good vibes only. If that sounds like you, follow me on 'X' @VSaaauce.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.