Redskins at Panthers Picks, Predictions & Betting Odds
- Odds: Panthers -10
- Over/Under: 39.5
- Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: CBS
Odds as of Friday afternoon.
Christian McCaffrey and the Panthers welcome the hapless Redskins one week after losing a thriller in New Orleans. Washington, meanwhile, won just its second game of the season by knocking off the decimated Lions.
Our experts think that McCaffrey is due to dominate a lagging Skins defense while Dwayne Haskins and the weak Washington offense is unlikely to be any better on the road. Find their full analysis and picks below.
Redskins-Panthers Injury Report
Which team is healthier? Redskins
The Panthers will be without run-stuffer Dontari Poe (quad) after placing him on injured reserve. Gerald McCoy (knee/quad) also hasn't practiced. McCoy is one of the Panthers’ best run defenders and pass-rushers. He’s top-two on the team in pressures, hits, hurries and sacks, per Pro Football Focus
The Redskins could be shorthanded at receiver with Paul Richardson (hamstring) missing practice. Also of note is Adrian Peterson (toe), who was downgraded on Thursday, though Washington has messed around with his practice schedule every week so I’d still expect him to play. Defensive end Ryan Kerrigan will miss his first career game with a concussion, breaking a streak of 139 consecutive games played. — Justin Bailey
Note: Info as of Friday. See our Injury Report for daily practice participation and game statuses up until kickoff.
Biggest Mismatch
Christian McCaffrey vs. Washington’s Run Defense
Is there ever a time McCaffrey isn't a Panthers opponent's biggest mismatch? The overall RB1 in fantasy football has dominated every opponent regardless of location or defensive efficiency. This week, he returns home to face a poor Washington run defense.
The Redskins rank 21st in Football Outsiders' run defense DVOA, and just allowed 98 rushing yards (5.1 yards per carry) to Detroit’s former practice squad back Bo Scarbrough. In Washington's last road game at Buffalo, running back Devin Singletary piled up 140 total yards and a touchdown.
The most difficult part of defending McCaffrey is in the passing game. Washington has allowed the ninth-most receiving yards and fantasy points to opposing running backs, and travel to Carolina where McCaffrey has ethered the opposition.
McCaffrey presents a mismatch every week, but he’s a terrible matchup for the 2-9 Redskins. Washington’s run defense will need to play their best game of the season against the NFL’s best overall running back. — Mike Randle
Sean Koerner's Projected Odds
- Projected Spread: Panthers -10.5
- Projected Total: 40.5
Expert Pick
Randle: Under 43
The Panthers offense woke up last week in their 34-31 loss at New Orleans. Even against New Orleans’ seventh-best run defense, McCaffrey still found a way to total 133 yards and two touchdowns. Washington’s lackluster defense (21st in run and pass defense DVOA) is unlikely to limit the Panthers at home.
Haskins has experienced the typical rookie growing pains with just two touchdown passes and six interceptions. He will struggle against Carolina’s eighth-best pass defense.
The Redskins best chance to control the ball is through their running game, but Peterson has been limited this week in practice. Regardless, their offense has underwhelmed all season. It hasn’t eclipsed 20 points since Week 2 against Dallas.
The Panthers passing game features a host of weapons, led by a second-year breakout from wide receiver D.J. Moore, who has averaged 110.5 receiving yards in each of the past four contests. Tight end Greg Olsen should also find success against Washington, who allows the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends.
The Panthers will score against Washington, leaving underdog bettors to trust Washington’s anemic offense. I’ll bank on a couple turnovers from Haskins and a cover by the home favorite.
