Sunday night in Charlotte brings two teams that know how to light up the scoreboard, but neither team has found a way to relax after the whistle. The 2-1 Detroit Lions arrive at Bank of America Stadium after beating the Jets 31-24. The 1-2 Carolina Panthers are coming off a close 21-18 loss to Cleveland. On Oct. 4, this matchup will ask a big question: Can Bryce Young and the Panthers keep pace with Detroit’s collection of fast, dangerous weapons?

Young has given Carolina a powerful start through the air. He has thrown for 939 yards and seven touchdowns in three games, showing that the Panthers can move quickly when he finds his targets. His main target is Tetairoa McMillan, the tall young receiver who makes difficult catches and can turn a normal throw into a big gain. McMillan has 193 receiving yards already, and his connection with Young is a major part of Carolina’s plan to chase the NFC South title.

The Lions have allowed plenty of passing yards, more than 416 per game, so Young may have chances to attack downfield. That task is even more important because Carolina’s offensive line is missing key players, including tackles Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton. The Panthers will need Young to get the ball out quickly while Chuba Hubbard helps steady the offense. Hubbard runs with force, but he also has caught two touchdown passes. If he can make Detroit defenders worry about both the run and short throws, McMillan could find more room outside.

Yet Detroit can answer almost any challenge with its own fireworks. Jared Goff directs a deep group that attacks from every direction. Amon-Ra St. Brown is the reliable route runner who keeps drives alive, and he has already caught five touchdown passes. Jameson Williams brings pure speed, forcing defenses to protect the deep field. Tight end Sam LaPorta can work the open spaces in the middle.

Then comes Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit’s electric running back. Gibbs has scored six total touchdowns in three games, using sharp cuts as a runner and soft hands as a receiver. Detroit averages nearly 121 rushing yards per game, and Gibbs gives Goff a player who can change the game with one missed tackle.

Carolina’s defense faces this challenge without cornerback Jaycee Horn, who is on injured reserve. The Panthers also have injury questions among their linebackers and defensive line. They must make tackles in space and stop Detroit from turning short plays into long sprints. Detroit is missing starting safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, however, which gives Young a real opening to keep this game close.

Both teams have scored about 30 points per game, so this could become a Sunday-night race. Carolina has the passing talent to strike back, but Detroit has shown more balance and has already won two tight games. Prediction: The Lions win, with Gibbs and Detroit’s many targets making the difference late.

Bryce Young and Jared Goff Bring Big-Play Questions to Charlotte