Here are three X-Factors for the Carolina Panthers to take down the Detroit Lions this week.
The Carolina Panthers will be taking on the Detroit Lions this week, looking to bounce back from a tough loss a week ago to the Cleveland Browns.
Carolina comes into this game with a record of 1-2 on the season, and the team will be trying to get back to a .500 record. Detroit enters the game at 2-1, coming off a dramatic win over the New York Jets a week ago.
Here are three of the biggest X-Factors for the Panthers to take down the Lions on Sunday Night Football:
1. Bryce Young Performs Up to Par
Bryce Young entered this NFL season with a ton of questions surrounding his game, following an inconsistent 2025 year. Many wondered whether Young could be the franchise guy for the Panthers, and so far, he has done decently.
Through the first three games of the season, Young has thrown for 939 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. Young has done well not to turn the ball over much, while being able to push the ball down the field.
The Lions defense has been very prone to giving up high amounts of yardage, and Young will look to take advantage. If he can do so, the Panthers could be in good shape to get the victory in primetime.
2. Contain Aidan Hutchinson
The big player that the Panthers will need to contain on the Lions' defense is star pass rusher Aidan Hutchison. Authison enters this game tied for second in the league with 20 total pressures through the first three games of the season.
Detroit as a whole has done well with pressing the quarterback, with the Lions leading the league in pressure rate. And going up against a Carolina offensive line that hasn't done too well, this could be a recipe for disaster.
Hutchison has game-changing ability, and the Panthers are going to need to contain him in the best way that they can. This will be much easier said than done, but for Carolina to have a chance, they will have to figure it out somehow.
3. Establishing Chuba Hubbard
To help out Young, the Panthers need to get the ground game going strong this season. Detroit's defense has been susceptible to rushing yards, and Hubbard is going to need to take advantage.
The Panthers' running back is coming off a strong game against the Browns, with him rushing for 82 yards. Hubbard will look to continue this success against the Lions, hoping to make Carolina a well-rounded offensive team.
For the year, Hubbard has rushed for 184 yards and one touchdown. But his impact on this particular game could be the biggest difference in the Panthers getting the win, or them falling short yet again.
