The Lions are heading into primetime with a chance to improve to 3–1, but Carolina could expose some of Detroit’s biggest weaknesses. Here are the three keys to a Sunday night victory.
The Detroit Lions will travel to Carolina to take on the Panthers for their first Sunday Night Football game of the season. Carolina has not played a Sunday Night Football game since 2015. Since 2023, the Lions are 4–2 in Sunday Night Football games but have lost their last two matchups. For Detroit to win this game, they will need to execute these three keys to victory.
Key 1: Win the Turnover Battle
In both of the Panthers’ losses this season, they have lost the turnover battle, throwing at least one interception and losing one fumble in each game.
In both of Detroit’s wins, they have won the turnover battle. In Detroit’s Week 1 matchup against the Saints, they recorded two interceptions and one fumble recovery. In their win over the Jets last week, Detroit did not record an interception but did have one fumble recovery and did not turn the ball over once.
There is expected to be rain during the game, which could create more opportunities for the Lions to force turnovers. Currently, Jared Goff has not thrown an interception this season and will look to continue that streak on Sunday night.
Key 2: Stop the Run
Last week against the Jets, Detroit held New York to 17 carries for 46 yards, averaging just 2.7 yards per carry. With run-stoppers Tyleik Williams and Alim McNeill, Detroit stifled the Jets’ rushing attack.
Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard has 41 carries for 184 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. Last week in their loss against the Browns, Hubbard had a solid performance, averaging 4.3 yards per carry with 82 yards, but he did not find the end zone.
If Detroit can keep Carolina’s running backs out of the end zone and hold them to less than 4.5 yards per carry, that should give the Lions the upper hand. I expect both teams to rely on their run game with the chance of it being rainy during the game.
Key 3: Defend the Tight End
It’s no mystery at this point, as it appears everyone has figured out that Detroit cannot cover tight ends.
Through their first three games, the Lions have allowed 29 receptions for 351 yards and six touchdowns to opposing tight ends. Although Carolina doesn’t have elite tight ends, they do have a veteran in Darren Waller, who appears to still have some juice left in the tank.
Waller has already recorded two touchdowns this season, and it wouldn’t shock me to see him find the end zone again. Detroit’s linebackers have to be better in pass coverage, especially Jack Campbell, who has struggled early this season defending the pass.
Another tight end who could make some noise is Tommy Tremble, who was the Panthers’ third-leading pass catcher last week, while Waller was their second-leading pass catcher.
With the Panthers dealing with an injury to Jalen Coker, who is now a game-time decision, Carolina could lean on its tight ends even more. Coker has accounted for the most receptions and receiving yards on the team.
If Detroit can execute these three keys, they should put themselves in a strong position to win. Even if they execute two of the three, they should still have a good chance. However, if Detroit only executes one or none of these keys, they could put their chances of winning in jeopardy.
Currently, the Lions are 3.5-point road favorites heading into Sunday night.
