Carolina Panthers vs Washington Commanders Prediction, Odds and Picks for Sunday, 10/20/24

The Red Rocket’s magic might be gone. Andy Dalton took over for Bryce Young in Week 3 and led the Panthers to their first win over the Raiders. There hadn’t been much to cheer about in Carolina for a while, so Dalton’s big win over Las Vegas brought a little bit of happiness back to the city. However, it didn’t last. The Panthers have lost 3 straight games to the Bengals, Bears and Falcons since that win. Dalton has thrown 4 interceptions in those 3 games and Carolina has topped 20 points just once during its losing streak. Chuba Hubbard is doing all he can on the ground and Diontae Johnson has become the WR1 with Dalton under center. Still, it’s the defense that has been getting crushed week in and week out. The Carolina defense has allowed 33.8 points per game thus far, which is by far the most in football. It’s back to being disappointed in Carolina, and it’s probably only going to get worse in Week 7.

The Commanders have been the surprise of the season. Drafting Jayden Daniels at #2 overall was expected to jump-start the rebuild in Washington, but I don’t think anybody expected it to be this fast. Daniels has looked like a savvy veteran in the pocket while Brian Robinson Jr. is having a breakout season on the ground and Terry McLaurin has become a true WR1. The Commanders suffered just their 2nd loss of the season in Week 6 to the Ravens in a hard-fought game. Daniels was great through the air, but Robinson Jr. was out and that caused Washington to have zero production on the ground. He is expected to return to the backfield this weekend, which should help the Commanders fire on all cylinders. I think Washington covers this spread by several points.

Panthers vs Commanders prediction: Washington -8 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to -8.5.

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This total has already jumped 2 to 3 points from when it opened. It’s pretty easy to see why: the Panthers have the worst defense in the league and the Commanders average the 2nd-most points per game. Coming into Week 7, the Commanders are averaging nearly 30 points per game. Daniels and company even scored 23 points against an elite Ravens defense in Week 6, so this might be a game in which Daniels keeps piling up the points. I’m expecting the Commanders to finish with at least 27 — but hopefully much more. The Panthers have allowed at least 34 points in their last 3 consecutive games to Joe Burrow, Caleb Williams and Kirk Cousins.

The Commanders obviously have an elite offense, but their defense has been the weak link in the first half of the season. Washington has allowed the 8th-most rushing yards and the 14th-most passing yards per game, which has led to them allowing the 11th-most points per game. I’m expecting both teams to heavily rely on their passing attack, which equals a lot of possessions and a lot of opportunities for points. I’m taking the over before the total continues to rise.

Panthers vs Commanders prediction: Over 51.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.

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