The Carolina Panthers (1-5, 4th NFC South) will travel to Landover, Maryland, to face off against the Washington Commanders (4-2, 1st NFC East) this Sunday at Northwest Stadium. The Panthers suffered a defeat against the Atlanta Falcons last week, ending with a score of 38-20. They have now lost three consecutive games and five out of their last six, with their only win this season being a 36-22 triumph over the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, the Commanders experienced a setback against the Baltimore Ravens, falling 30-23 after a four-game winning streak, yet they still hold a slim lead in the NFC East. Carolina is dealing with injuries, missing key players like running back Jonathan Brooks and wide receiver Adam Thielen. Washington also faces challenges, with five players on injured reserve, including defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and wide receiver Jamison Crowder. Both teams have several questionable players ahead of the matchup.
Challenges for Carolina: A Struggling Offense and Defense
The Carolina Panthers are facing significant difficulties on both sides of the ball, averaging only 17.2 points and 298.5 yards of total offense per game, ranking them 28th and 25th, respectively. Their rushing attack is also struggling, with just 111.3 yards per game (22nd), while their passing game averages 187.2 yards (23rd). Quarterback Andy Dalton has thrown for 896 yards, with seven touchdowns and five interceptions this season. Chuba Hubbard leads the ground game with 485 yards on 86 carries and two touchdowns, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Diontae Johnson is the leading receiver, with 29 catches for 340 yards and three touchdowns.
The Panthers’ defense has been equally problematic, allowing an alarming average of 33.8 points and 379.8 yards of offense per game, placing them at the bottom of the league in both categories. They struggle particularly against the run, giving up 153.5 yards per game (30th) and 226.3 yards through the air (23rd). Safety Xavier Woods leads the team with 44 tackles, while defensive end Jayden Peevy has recorded 1.5 sacks.
Washington’s Offensive Power and Defensive Gaps
The Washington Commanders boast a powerful offense, averaging 29.7 points and 378 yards per game, ranking them second and fifth in the league, respectively. Their running game is particularly effective, averaging 157.3 yards per game (5th). Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has emerged as a dual-threat, throwing for 1,404 yards with six touchdown passes while also rushing for 322 yards and four touchdowns. Brian Robinson Jr. is another key player, with 325 yards rushing and one touchdown, though he is currently listed as questionable. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin has tallied 356 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 12.3 yards per reception.
Defensively, the Commanders allow an average of 24.2 points and 354 yards per game, placing them 22nd in both categories. They give up 137.7 yards rushing (22nd) and 216.3 yards passing (19th). Linebacker Bobby Wagner leads the team with 56 tackles, while Dante Fowler Jr. tops the team in sacks with 3.5. Cornerback Mike Sainristil has registered the team’s only interception.
Betting Insights for Panthers vs. Commanders
Given that Carolina’s defense has allowed over 30 points in their last three games, they face a formidable challenge against Washington’s high-powered offense. The Panthers are struggling to stop the run, conceding 153.5 yards per game, which ranks them 30th in the league. Conversely, Washington excels in rushing, averaging 157.3 yards per game, placing them fifth overall.
Carolina’s offensive woes continue, as they average only 17.2 points per game. They have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games, and their record against NFC East teams is concerning, with an 0-6 ATS mark in their last six encounters. On the other hand, Washington has shown resilience, covering the spread in four of their last five games, including four of five against teams from the NFC South.
