Five fearless predictions for Sunday’s Carolina Panthers (6-3) game at Detroit (3-6):
1. Motor goes early in Motor City
Carolina needs to start fast on both sides of the ball, and they will do so on Sunday. Cam Newton and the offense will score on their first drive, which would be the first time this season they’ve been able to do so in consecutive games.
And on defense, Carolina will feel comfortable leaving its cornerbacks in more one-on-one situations against a Detroit receiving corps missing Golden Tate. That means they will blitz early to try to disrupt the Lions’ offensive rhythm, and capitalize on a shaky offensive line.