Carolina Panthers at Washington Commanders 8/13/22 - NFL Preseason Picks & Predictions

The Carolina Panthers visit the Washington Commanders on Saturday in the opening game of the 2022 NFL preseason for both teams. In 2021, Carolina finished 5-12 which was last in the NFC South. The starting quarterback has not been decided for the Panthers. Therefore expect to see offseason acquisition Baker Mayfield, incumbent Sam Darnold and rookie Matt Corral have plenty of action under center on Saturday against the Commanders.

Carolina running back Christian McCaffrey is expected to see action on Saturday as is leading wide receiver DJ Moore. Carolina's defense, led by starters Cory Littleton at linebacker, Brian Burns on the front four and Jeremy Chinn and Jaycee Horn in the secondary, will play at least the first few series if not the entire first half. Carolina's main focus will be on the offense however as a quarterback must be selected to be the regular-season starter and the Panthers must find a way to improve on a scoring average of only 17.9 points per game last season.

Washington finished the 2021 NFL regular season 7-10 and was third in the NFC East. Washington has also not decided on who will be its starting quarterback. Kyle Allen and Taylor HeinickeWill battle during the preseason to determine who starts under center in Week 1. Antonio Gibson returns as the stop running back but will share playing time during the preseason with Jonathan Williams and Jaret Patterson. Washington's best receiver Terry McLaurin is likely to play the first couple of series but no more as Washington's coaches want to see Curtis Samuel, Adam Humphries as well as recently drafted Dyami Brown.

Washington's defense has been its strength the last few seasons as the Commanders have a young and talented group led by Montez Sweat on the defensive line, linebackers Cole Holcomb and rookie Jamin Davis and Kamren Curl in the secondary. Washington's best overall defensive lineman Chase Young will not play because of a knee injury and is likely to see little to no action most of the preseason, as the Commanders will need their star pass rusher once the regular season starts.