One of the more interesting matchups of Week 11 happens at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday afternoon. That’s where the Carolina Panthers (5-5) host the Washington Football Team (3-6) in a critical NFC battle.
If you read the standings and see Washington sitting three games under .500 and wonder how this game is important, then you haven’t glanced at the NFC playoff picture. Currently, Washington is on the outside looking in for the final wild-card position but has eight games remaining.
Both teams picked up impressive wins last week, with the Panthers taking down the Cardinals while Washington upset the Buccaneers.
This game will feature the return of quarterback Cam Newton to starting lineup for the Panthers. Newton signed two weeks ago after an injury to Sam Darnold and returns to the place where he was a superstar for a decade.
On paper, the Panthers appear to be the better team. Carolina’s defense is No. 2 in the NFL, which is where Washington expected to be before the season. The Panthers also have running back Christian McCaffrey back.
So, do the experts think the Panthers are the team to beat in this game?
According to NFL Pickwatch, 80% of pickers think the Panthers win this one. But what does that really mean? After all, 99% of those picking games chose the Bucs over Washington in Week 10.
Yet, Washington dominated the defending Super Bowl champs.