Panthers vs Commanders Picks and Prediction – 10/20/2024

The Carolina Panthers head to Washington to face the Commanders in a Week 7 matchup. The Panthers, sitting at 1-5 and struggling both offensively and defensively, are coming off a tough 38-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Meanwhile, the 4-2 Commanders dropped the last game 30-23 against Baltimore but have performed solidly at home this season with a 2-0 record. Crush the gridiron with our unbeatable NFL picks.

Carolina’s offense has been underwhelming, led by quarterback Andy Dalton, who has thrown for 896 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions. Running back Chuba Hubbard has managed 485 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while DJ Johnson leads the receiving corps with 340 yards and three scores. The Panthers' offense is scoring inconsistently and averaging below league standards, hampered further by the absence of key offensive linemen Taylor Moton and Andrew Raym due to injury.

Defensively, the Panthers have allowed a concerning number of points in recent weeks, surrendering 36 or more in three of the last five contests. The defense will need to step up against Washington’s ground game and limit explosive plays, especially with Jonathan Allen listed as questionable for the Commanders. Injuries to linebacker Claudin Cherelus and center Jarrett Kingston further complicate the Panthers' struggles on both sides of the ball.

The Commanders have been efficient on offense, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has thrown for 1,404 yards with six touchdowns and just two picks. Bryan Robinson Jr. has emerged as a red-zone threat with five rushing scores, while Terry McLaurin remains the team’s top receiver, accumulating 356 yards and four touchdowns. Washington’s offense looks well-balanced, averaging 32 points per game in the last five outings.

Washington's defense has performed better in recent weeks, aided by key contributions from the secondary, despite missing Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Tyler Owens. With the Panthers’ recent struggles and the Commanders’ home-field success, Washington's defense will be expected to contain Carolina’s weak passing attack and control the game’s tempo.

The Commanders are the more complete team, with a potent offense and a defense capable of limiting Carolina’s anemic attack. Washington's success at home and Carolina's injury woes further tip the scales. Expect a comfortable win for the Commanders. Final Score Prediction: Washington Commanders win and covers 31-17.