The Detroit Lions (7-7) are on a three-game winning streak, including an upset in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings. They have legitimate rookie-of-the-year contender in defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who has seven sacks so far this season.
They face the Carolina Panthers (5-9), who are struggling with consistency and finding a team identity and have let go of both Christian McCaffrey and Baker Mayfield over the course of the season. They got four of their wins at home.
Both teams are chasing a place in the playoffs.
Here’s a look at USA TODAY’s NFL staff betting details and picks for the Lions vs. Panthers Week 16 game:
Lions at Panthers Odds, Moneyline and Over/Under
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NFL week 16 odds, predictions and tips
Safid Deen: Lions 30, Panthers 24
Detroit is on the right track, winning three straight games and six of their last seven games, and showing the tenacity and determination coach Dan Campbell preaches weekly. They know they can shock the world with a playoff berth and plan to do so with a lot more to play for this week than the Panthers.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff and tight end Brock Wright celebrate a touchdown against the Jets.
Victoria Hernandez: Lions 28, Panthers 20
The Lions have it all and would be on a seven-game winning streak barring a last-minute field goal from the Bills. Detroit plays hungry as the Panthers struggle to find their identities. The Panthers could have some success with their running game as they did a good job splitting carries between backs and the Lions have the eighth most yards in the league.
Jaylon Thompson: Lions 23, Panthers 17
The Lions have been one of the hottest teams in the NFL in recent weeks. The playoff talk is REAL and is set to take it to a new level on Saturday. The Panthers’ defense is very impressive, but the Lions are trapped. Expect a back-and-forth matchup with the Lions clinging to a late win.
The story goes on
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Detroit Lions vs Carolina Panthers Game Predictions, Tips, Odds
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