The Carolina Panthers (4-10) visit the Washington Football Team (6-8) Sunday in a Week 16 game at FedEx Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Panthers-Washington betting odds and lines and make our NFL picks and predictions.
Panthers at Washington: Betting odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:37 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Panthers +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Washington -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Panthers +1 (-110) | Washington -1 (-110)
- Over/Under: 41.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Panthers at Washington: Game notes
- The Panthers lost to the Green Bay Packers 24-16 at Lambeau Field in their Week 15 Saturday primetime game. The Packers took a 21-3 lead into halftime, but Carolina snuck in the backdoor to cover as a 9.5-point underdog.
- Carolina’s gambling records: 8-6 ATS and 7-7 O/U.
- Like the Panthers, Washington lost its Week 15 game but got an ATS win as a 6-point underdog in a 20-15 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Second-year QB Dwayne Haskins filled in for an injured QB Alex Smith, completing 38 of 55 passes for 295 yards with a TD and 2 interceptions, and steering Washington to 12 fourth-quarter points to key the cover.
- Washington’s gambling records: 9-5 ATS and 5-9 O/U.
- Panthers-Washington is the Ron Rivera Revenge Game as the Football Team’s head coach is facing his former team, which he coached from 2011-19. Under Rivera, Carolina won three straight NFC South titles (2013-15) and played in Super Bowl L, losing to the Denver Broncos.
Panthers at Washington: Key injuries
Panthers
- DE Brian Burns (knee) questionable
- RB Christian McCaffrey (thigh) doubtful
- LT Russell Okung (calf) doubtful
- CB Troy Pride Jr. (hip) doubtful
- DT Bravvion Roy (knee) questionable
Washington
- RB Antonio Gibson (toe) questionable
- WR Terry McLaurin (ankle) out
- LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (ankle) questionable
- QB Alex Smith (calf) questionable
Panthers at Washington: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Panthers 20, Washington 16
Money line (?)
According to Washington Wire, Smith is dealing with soreness in his injured calf and is unlikely to start, paving the way for a second-consecutive Haskins start. If Smith were playing, it’d be hard to not back Washington with its 5-2 home ATS record, while it sits atop the NFC East trying to earn a playoff berth with a coach who’s battled cancer all season and is playing his former employer. Washington’s motivation is clear and obvious.
However, the dropoff from Smith to Haskins is greater than BetMGM is accounting for. It’s hard seeing how Washington has success on offense with McLaurin out and leading-rusher Gibson playing through a toe injury after missing the previous two games.
The Panthers are one of the best road dogs in the NFL, covering in six of their seven road games. It’s an ATS trend that applies since the spread is nearly a pick ’em. Also, the Panthers will have an easier time scheming against a Washington offense that will generate few explosive plays.
GIMME PANTHERS (+100) for 1 unit.
Against the spread (?)
PASS since it’s slightly cheaper to back the Panthers money line, to win straight-up. Getting +1 (one point) doesn’t provide any real insurance.
Over/Under (?)
This feels like a game where both teams play a more conservative style and try to capitalize on each other’s mistakes. I’m expecting a lot of run plays and check-downs, which will keep the clock moving.
Furthermore, Carolina QB Teddy Bridgewater is a quintessential game manager, who doesn’t turn the ball over (eight interceptions in 2020) and should be looking to get rid of the ball fast against a ferocious Washington pass rush.
I’d bet UNDER 41.5 (-105) for a half-unit only because we are late to the party as the market has bet this total down from a 45-point opener.
Want action on this NFL game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Also see:
- Carolina-Washington: 9 interesting matchups to watch (Panthers Wire)
- Report: RB Gibson to play, WR McLaurin out (Washington Wire)
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