Washington Football Team vs Carolina Panthers: Betting Guide

Washington’s advantage in the rivalry came from taking the first six meetings. Since that time, the Panthers have gone 7-3 against the storied franchise, including a winning streak of five games from 2009 to 2016.

Washington Football Team

Next game: vs. Seattle

Last Game

Washington snapped a four-game winning streak with a surprising 29-19 victory over the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It jumped out to a 13-0 lead early in the second quarter, then pulled away after the Buccaneers cut the lead to 16-13 midway through the third.

Taylor Heinicke completed 26-of-32 passes for 256 yards and a touchdown, finding Terry McLaurin six times for 59 yards. Antonio Gibson was effective on the ground, rushing 24 times for 64 yards and a touchdown. Washington outgained Tampa Bay 320-273 and picked off Tom Brady twice in the contest.

Washington recorded just its second win against the spread all season, improving to 2-7. The team is 1-3 ATS when playing on the road in 2021.

Injury Report

McLaurin has been a limited practice participant this week with a shoulder injury and is listed as questionable for this week’s game, but all signs point to him suiting up on Sunday.

The Washington defense was struck a blow when defensive end Chase Young suffered a torn ACL in the win over Tampa Bay. He’ll be sidelined for the rest of the season.

Carolina Panthers

Next game: at Miami

Last Game

The Panthers overwhelmed the Arizona Cardinals, winning 34-10 in the return of quarterback Cam Newton in a limited role. Newton had a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown after joining the team the previous week due to injuries at the quarterback position.

Carolina jumped ahead 23-0 at halftime over a Cardinals team that didn’t have Kyler Murray, coasting to the easy road win. Running back Christian McCaffrey had 95 rushing yards and 10 catches for 66 yards in the contest.

The Panthers improved to 5-5 against the spread this season with the victory. Carolina is 3-2 on the road, compared to a 2-3 mark ATS when at home.

Injury Report

There’s no injury reason for it, but Newton will likely be the starter for this one. He was scheduled to get the first-team reps in practice to prepare for his first start since returning to Carolina.

A pair of defensive players — defensive end Marquis Haynes Sr. and linebacker Frankie Luvu — are listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.

Washington vs Panthers Betting Preview

Can the Panthers become an explosive offensive team again with Newton at the controls? He certainly brought a spark to the team when he got in the game last week, and he has a healthy McCaffrey to lean on as well.

Washington’s defense has not been good this season, allowing 27.3 points per game. It made the most of its opportunities last week against the Buccaneers, but in the two games prior to the Tampa Bay win, Washington managed just 10 points in losses to Green Bay and Denver on the road.

We like the Panthers to be energized by the return of Newton, as well as playing in front of the home crowd. Washington’s loss of Young on the defensive side of the ball isn’t going to help either, as Carolina rolls to the win in this one.

Whether or not you want to make one of your NFL picks on the over in this one depends on how much you trust the Washington offense. Carolina likely won’t be able to put up 34 points like it did last week, so you have to believe in Washington contributing to the total in a significant way. We prefer to play it safe and go with the under.

Final Score: Carolina 27, Washington 10