Friday open thread: Which player will score the most points in Lions vs. Panthers?

Kickoff for the Detroit Lions’ Week 5 matchup against the Carolina Panthers is just a few days away, and this game could go many different ways. As it currently stands, the Lions are only favored by 2.5 point, meaning both teams have a pretty good chance to win on Sunday.

I wouldn’t be completely shocked to see a shootout, much like the teams’ 2011 matchup in which Detroit defeated Carolina 49-35. Cam Newton and Matthew Stafford are both very talented passers.

But this could also certainly be a defensive battle. Both teams have huge playmakers on that side of the ball, and both offenses have struggled at points this season.

Regardless of whether we’re in for a shootout or a defensive struggle, there’s a pretty good chance some points are going to be scored on Sunday. While a 0-0 tie remains in the realm of possibilities, that hasn’t happened in over 70 years. So today’s Question of the Day is:

Not including quarterbacks, which player will score the most points during the game between the Lions and Panthers?

My answer: Matt Prater. While the Lions started hot in the red zone early in the season, they’ve significantly cooled down since. Prater has attempted seven field goals in the past two games alone and converted on six of them. Facing a pretty talented defense again this week, I think Detroit’s offense is likely to stall again on the Panthers’ side of the field.

Lucky for them, they don’t have to go much further than the 50-yard line to get into Prater’s range. So expect the Pro Bowl kicker to knock at least three field goals through the uprights on Sunday, likely outscoring any other non-quarterback on the field.

Your turn.