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The Washington Football Team will take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 11 NFL action. It's time to continue our NFL odds series and make a Washington-Panthers prediction and pick.
Both of these teams are at make-or-break points in their respective seasons. Another loss for Washington would crush what little playoff hopes they have left, as head coach Ron Rivera's squad already owns a subpar 3-6 record. This game carries much more weight for the Panthers, who seem to believe that they have a legitimate shot of making the postseason. Carolina is 5-5 right now, and their schedule only gets harder towards the end of the season. This is a must-win game if the Panthers want any chance of playing playoff football.
For more insight on the Washington-Panthers matchup in Week 11, listen below:
Here are the odds for the Washington-Panthers NFL Sunday matchup, courtesy of FanDuel.
NFL Odds: Washington-Panthers Odds
Washington Football Team: +3 (-106)
Carolina Panthers: -3 (-114)
Over: 43 (-106)
Under: 43 (-114)
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Why Washington Could Cover The Spread
Washington's defense hasn't come anywhere close to the expectations set for them this year, but they should still be good enough to deal with this Carolina offense. The strongest part of this Carolina offense has undeniably been the run game, something that Washington specializes in stopping. Washington currently ranks as the sixth-best rush defense in the NFL, allowing only 97 rushing yards per game to their opponents. Forcing the Panthers to pass has been a successful model for teams this season, and there's no reason to think that it won't work here.
While it was great to see quarterback Cam Newton back in action, it's time to temper the expectations surrounding his return. Newton hasn't started a game since the 2020 season, and those starts didn't do much to inspire confidence. He didn't look like an effective passer during his time with the New England Patriots, and it's tough to imagine things have gotten better over his absence from the NFL. Expect this Panthers passing game to struggle throughout this contest.
Why The Panthers Could Cover The Spread
Despite their offensive struggles, Carolina has remained a fantastic defensive team. The Panthers are currently ranked as the 12th-best run defense and the best pass defense in the NFL. Head coach Matt Rhule's squad has only allowed 173 passing yards per game. Washington's passing offense is already one of the most inconsistent attacks in the league, so it's hard to see it performing well here. To make matters even better for Carolina, Washington owns a below-average rushing attack, racking up only 115 yards per game on the ground.
Carolina's home field advantage will play a big part in this game. Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke has struggled mightily on the road, tossing for more interceptions and less yardage whenever he plays away from home. As a result, Washington's offense as a whole has had a hard time getting going on the road. Washington has two ten-point performances in four road games, so it's safe to say that they would prefer to play on their home turf.
Final Washington-Panthers Prediction & Pick
It's nearly impossible to trust the Panthers as favorites in this spot. Ride the momentum of a big Week 10 win and lock in Washington here.
Final Washington-Panthers Pick; Washington Football Team: +3 (-106)
