The rain could make Sunday night a ground game, and that could mean big things for Jahmyr Gibbs. Here are my three favorite bets for Lions vs. Panthers.
In less than 24 hours, the Detroit Lions will take on the Carolina Panthers on the road for Sunday Night Football. Last week, I had a superb day with my bets, hitting five of the six picks I called. I am currently 8–4 betting on Lions games.
This game is expected to be rainy, which could create major opportunities on the ground for both teams. Here are my top three bets for Lions vs. Panthers.
Jahmyr Gibbs 94.5 Rushing Yards — Over (-113)
The Panthers have the worst run defense in the NFL through three games this season. They have allowed 580 rushing yards on 101 attempts, averaging 193.3 rushing yards per game at 5.7 yards per carry. Carolina has also allowed six rushing touchdowns and five runs of 20-plus yards, including a 61-yard run.
Jahmyr Gibbs has hit this number in two of his past three games. He is currently averaging more than 21 carries per game, and last week, it took Gibbs just 20 carries to reach 99 rushing yards.
With the entire offensive line healthy and ready to go, I like my chances of Gibbs reaching at least 95 rushing yards.
Darren Waller 30.5 Receiving Yards — Over (-113)
Currently, I have hit three straight bets when betting on opposing players against the Lions. The past two weeks, I have bet on tight ends, so I think we have to stick with it and take Darren Waller.
Waller has hit this number in each of his past two games, recording 51 and 33 receiving yards. The only game this season in which he failed to hit this number was the season opener against the Bears, when he had just two targets and 28 yards.
Detroit has allowed 117 receiving yards per game to tight ends over the past three weeks. Including five tight ends that have hit this number. Waller also received a season-high in both targets and receptions last week against the Browns, recording five receptions on eight targets.
That increased production was partially due to Panthers star wide receiver Jalen Coker exiting the game early with an injury. Coker is expected to be a game-time decision, but even if he plays, I still love this line for Waller.
Lions -3.5 (-118)
Detroit enters this game as road favorites, mostly because the Panthers are extremely beat up.
Last week, Carolina saw both of its starting cornerbacks suffer injuries and be placed on injured reserve. The Panthers also lost their starting guard to a UCL injury, along with having numerous other players listed as questionable.
Carolina has not played a Sunday Night Football game since 2015, while Detroit has played in six Sunday night games over the last three seasons. After covering their first four games, Detroit has failed to cover in its past two Sunday Night Football appearances, but I believe the Lions are due.
Dan Campbell is currently 13–4 in primetime games, although Detroit will have to cover a -3.5 point spread. I believe Campbell’s ability to coach in primetime will shine against the Panthers.
Overall
As always, bet responsibly. The bet I am most confident in is Gibbs’ rushing yards. With how hot Detroit’s offense has been, if the Lions are leading, they will likely lean heavily on Gibbs to control the clock, giving him even more opportunities to break off a big run.
If you parlay these three bets together, a $10 bet would earn you approximately $38.
These lines come from FanDuel Sportsbook, but other sportsbooks could have better lines and odds, so make sure you shop around before placing your bets.
