Lions vs. Panthers Week 16 preview, prediction: On Paper

Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty ImagesHere we are. Meaningful Detroit Lions football deep into December. It’s been a while, but it’s a thrilling feeling going into this holiday weekend knowing this team has actual, real stakes on the line. Would you prefer the Lions have a little leeway to relieve some of the pressure of must-win situations every week? Sure, but let’s just enjoy what we have—and the improbable lengths it took to get here.

This week, the must-win opponent is the Carolina Panthers. They are in a similar situation. After a 1-4 start, the Panthers fired Matt Rhule and have been on a significantly less dramatic 4-5 run. They clearly aren’t a top team—like the Lions are playing…