NFL Predictions: Redskins vs. Panthers Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Friday, 21 October 2011 22:35

It’s time to preview this weekend’s NFL game between the Redskins and the Panthers.

The Washington Redskins (3-2) will be the road team for Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers (1-5), and our score predictions are going to let everyone know what to expect.  Start time is set for 1:00 PM ET and the clash will be televised regionally on the FOX channel.

Washington opened their year with wins over the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals before falling on the road against the Dallas Cowboys.  The Redskins rebounded with a win over the St. Louis Rams but are on a 1-game losing streak after being bested at home by the Philadelphia Eagles last time out.  Rex Grossman (1132 yards, 55.8%, 6 TD, 9 INT) is out as starting quarterback after throwing 4 interceptions against the Eagles, and John Beck (117 yards, 53.3%, 0 TD, 0 INT) is your new main man in Washington.

Carolina’s lone victory of the season came at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars, while the teams they've lost to include the Arizona Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons.  Quarterback Cam Newton (1847 yards, 58.5%, 7 TD, 9 INT) has cooled off after his hot start and has reverted to being a turnover machine in recent games.  He’s extremely talented but the NFL learning curve is getting the best of him recently.

The Panthers are 1-point betting favorites at 5Dimes Sportsbook, and there are plenty of reasons to think that Washington can pull off the upset.  The underdog has covered the point spread in 9 straight head-to-head meetings between these teams, while the road squad has been a wagering winner in 7-of-9.  Bet on the Redskins vs. Panthers game at 5Dimes Sportsbook and receive a 50% cash bonus from one of the industry’s elite.

The Redskins have shown a nice mix of the run and the pass, and I do not believe there is much of a difference between Grossman and Beck.  Washington is at their best offensively when they can run and that shouldn’t be a problem against a Carolina defense that allows 140.3 rushing yards per game on 4.8 per carry.

Newton has led the Panthers to nearly 300 passing yards a game, but much of that is because they get behind early because of their poor defense.  Carolina isn’t a great passing team when the game is close and I believe they’ll struggle here without that helpful prevent defense.  The Redskins have been one of the NFL’s best defenses this year and I don’t see Carolina putting up a ton of points.

Score predictions in the Redskins vs. Panthers game come down to whether or not Carolina can play a well-rounded game while avoiding costly mistakes, and I don’t believe they can.  Newton is too raw to do well against a defense like this, and the Redskins should churn out a ton of rushing yards against one of the worst defensive units in the NFL.  I’m calling for the outright upset as Newton takes another step back.

Redskins vs. Panthers Score Predictions:

Redskins 23

Panthers 20