Everything you need to know for Carolina Panthers vs. Lions in Week 16

Everything you need to know ahead of the Carolina Panthers’ home finale against the red-hot Detroit Lions in Week 16. 

The Carolina Panthers cannot afford any more slip-ups if they want to defy the odds and claim a shock divisional crown. Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions concludes their home engagements, so sending fans home with some additional festive cheer on Christmas Eve is the least they deserve after another rollercoaster campaign.

Last weekend’s loss versus the Pittsburgh Steelers will have stung. The Panthers got beat at their own game – bullied in the trenches from start to finish with the NFC South lead at stake.

Steve Wilks will be demanding a big-time response from his players in the face of an in-form Lions squad that has legitimate hopes of reaching the postseason themselves. This is another huge test of character for a relatively young roster, so how they respond could have lasting implications in terms of this season and potentially beyond.

It would be a surprise if this didn’t turn out to be another physical affair. Hopefully, the Panthers will be more up to the test after such an embarrassment last time out.

Carolina Panthers vs. Lions injury report

The Panthers received some good news with a clean bill of health in Week 16. No player was handed an injury designation for the game, with C.J. Henderson and Jaycee Horn both full participants in Thursday’s practice after missing the early part of the week.

Here is Detroit’s full injury report for Week 16:

• Kayode Awosika (OT) – Out (ankle)
• Jason Cabinda (FB) – Out (illness)
• DeShon Elliott (S) – Out (shoulder)
• Derrick Barnes (OLB) – Questionable (knee)
• Frank Ragnow (C) – Questionable (foot)

Carolina Panthers vs. Lions odds

According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Panthers are 2.5-point underdogs against the Lions in Week 16.

• Carolina +2.5 points: -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
• Detroit -2.5 points: -115 (bet $115 to win $100)

Anyone wishing to wager Carolina on the money line can do so at +128 currently (bet $100 to win $128), with the Lions favored at -152 (bet $152 to win $100). FanDuel is anticipating a relatively high-scoring affair despite the freezing conditions with an over/under of 43.5 points for the clash.

• Over 43.5 points: -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
• Under 43.5 points: -115 (bet $115 to win $100)

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Carolina Panthers vs. Lions best bets

This could be a tough one to call. Detroit’s current trajectory indicates they’ll be right at the top of their game in Week 16, but the Panthers’ form at home under Wilks is pretty solid despite their poor loss against the Steelers.

It might come down to which team copes better with the freezing conditions, in all honesty. Carolina’s physical style of football will be well-matched by the Lions, who are fiercely committed with Dan Campbell at the helm and won’t be backing down an inch.

Perhaps backing the over 43.5 points is the best way to go. D’Onta Foreman scoring any time at +125 with FanDuel Sportsbook (bet $100 to win $125) also seems feasible all things considered.

Carolina Panthers vs. Lions weather for Week 16

Anyone going to Bank of America Stadium should wrap up warm. This is set to be one of the coldest games in franchise history according to projections, with a cold chill set to envelop almost the entire country over Christmas weekend.

The latest forecast sees temperatures dropping to 31 degrees with winds between 10 and 11 miles per hour. It does promise to be sunny, even though fans should probably leave the sunblock at home.

How to watch Carolina Panthers vs. Lions in Week 16

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The game is also available to view on FOX.