As we get ready for the start of Week 5 in the NFL, here are three bold predictions for the Detroit Lions against the Carolina Panthers.
After a nice win against the Green Bay Packers on the road last Thursday, the Lions are looking to continue to prove that they are one of the best teams in the NFC. Fortunately for the Lions, they will be playing one of the worst teams in the conference the Carolina Panthers.
Things have not gone according to plan for the Panthers so far this season. Bryce Young is having normal rookie struggles, and the offense seems to be lacking talent around him to help. This has resulted in the Panthers not having a win yet this season.
With this game expected to be lopsided, here are three bold predictions for the Lions in Week 5.
Laporta Continues His Strong Play
One of the rising young stars from the 2023 rookie class has been tight end Sam LaPorta. The Lions selected LaPorta from Iowa, which isn’t known for their passing attack, but LaPorta has translated well so far in the NFL and is proving he belongs.
So far this season, LaPorta has totaled 22 receptions, 242 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown. He looks like he already has some great chemistry with Jared Goff and the Lions’ offense isn’t missing T.J. Hockenson, who they traded last season. With the Lions likely being able to score a bit in this game. Expect a nice day out of LaPorta with 5 receptions, 65 receiving yards, and one touchdown catch.
Hutchinson Gets 2+ Sacks
Easily one of the best young defensive players in the league is defensive end Aiden Hutchinson. Coming out of Michigan, Hutchinson has proven to be a great defensive end in both run and pass defense. So far this season, Hutchinson has totaled 3.5 sacks, which leads the Lions in that category.
On Sunday, he will be tasked with chasing around Bryce Young, who is battling a bit of an ankle injury. With the Lions likely to be up on the Panthers in this game, they will be able to let their pass rush loose against Young and the Panthers. For Hutchinson, that means an opportunity to get at least 2 or more sacks in this one.
Lions Win By Double Digits
Coming into the game, these two teams are going in different directions. The Lions were just one possession against the Seahawks away from being 4-0 this season, and they are carrying that momentum from the second half of last year into this year.
For the Panthers, things just simply aren’t going well. This seems like a team with an exciting young prospect at quarterback, but nothing really around him yet. This could be another tough game for Young and the Panthers, as the Lions might look to make another statement as a big favorite. Barring something wild, the Lions should win this game by multiple scores.
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