Detroit Lions vs. Carolina Panthers first half open thread

After some initial drama on Sunday, the Carolina Panthers will not starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater active against the Detroit Lions, giving Matt Patricia and company a huge break for Week 11. In Bridgewater’s place will reportedly be XFL star P.J. Walker, making his first career NFL start. Walker brings an extra running dimension to his game, but his passing ability remains to be determined.

Detroit won’t be entering Sunday at full strength either. While Matthew Stafford will play through a ligament tear in his thumb, he will be without several weapons on offense. Just a week after his breakout start, rookie running back D’Andre Swift is out with a concussion. Additionally, the Lions will be missing starting wide receivers Kenny Golladay and Danny Amendola.

For the Lions, this is pretty much a must-win game if playoffs are still in the picture. Falling to 4-6 with one of the toughest schedules remaining feels like a death sentence for this team’s postseason chances.

So can they take advantage of a beat-up Panthers team, or is this where the road ends? Come watch the first half with us and comment below. We’ll also be throwing a live watch party over at the Super Squares Twitch page (embedded below).