The tale of these franchises is one of clubs heading in opposite directions, at least for now. The Carolina Panthers are just trying to survive 2024 without looking totally inept. They started well against the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday but ultimately lost 38-20. The Washington Commanders faced a great test by visiting the Baltimore Ravens. It didn’t go in their favour, but the 30-23 loss showed how much they’ve improved this season.

Our NFL odds think Washington’s fighting spirit will carry them through in Week 7, as they’re -7.5 favourites.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

There is an alternate universe somewhere in which NFL fans get excited about a brilliant matchup pitting sophomore Carolina QB Bryce Young against Washington’s rookie sensation Jayden Daniels. It’s just not the one we live in.

A look at the recent head-to-head history between these organizations is quite revealing. It’s easy to see when the Cam Newton era was and when it ended. From 2006 to 2016 the Panthers had a 5-1 edge over the Commanders (then the Redksins). Since 2018, Washington has gotten the better of Carolina more often, winning three of four games.

Speaking of things that are easy to spot, it comes as no surprise that the lone spread the Panthers have dealt with was their only win of the season when they played the Raiders. Otherwise, they’re 1-5 ATS. Carolina’s attack certainly isn’t very good but it’s far from the worst. The Panthers average 298.5 total yards per game, which ranks 25^th. A bigger problem is the 379.8 they give up (29^th).

Washington is making something quite interesting of their season so far. Not only are they a respectable 4-2 straight-up (with a loss against one of the best teams in the league), but they’re 4-1-1 ATS. Furthermore, that push was last week in Baltimore. This club has no trouble racking up yardage with 378 per contest, good for fifth in the NFL. They also score the third most points with 29.7.

Carolina Panthers

Week 6’s home date against divisional foe the Atlanta Falcons was a microcosm of what the Panthers are this season. They aren’t as bad as those Week 1 and 2 defeats. They can make some plays, but at the end of the day, they aren’t an especially good football team.

Even with superior quarterback play from Andy Dalton – compared to Young – things don’t always go well. He finished 26-for-38, 221 yards, two TDs but a pair of picks. Carolina led the game 10-7 midway through the second quarter, suggesting they might pluck the Falcons. Then Atlanta promptly outscored the hosts 31-10 the rest of the way.

If anything, RB Chubba Hubbard looks like the ball carrier many thought he could be. He tallied 92 yards last week and through four games has had 114, 104, 97, and 92. WR Diontae Johnson has also had some decent games lately. He caught six passes for 78 yards and a TD.

Washington Commanders

Nobody likes losing, but some defeats feel better than others. Or rather, they don’t feel as bad. An example was the Commanders’ 30-23 loss to the Ravens last week.

The worst it got was a 27-13 deficit in the third quarter, but the Commanders never quit. Daniels had a solid outing, finishing 24-for-35, 269 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He found receivers in tight spots and got a lot of people involved. Zach Ertz, Noah Brown, Terry McLaurin, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Austin Ekeler had at least four catches.

A potential problem is a knee injury that RB Brian Robinson Jr. is working through. He’s tallied over 100 yards a couple of times this season and has five TDs. As of Wednesday, he is listed as questionable for Week 7.

The Commanders are arguably facing the Panthers at the right time. Time to bounce back and show that the 2024 version can take care of its business.

Who Will Win Panthers vs. Commanders?

PANTHERS

Away

20

COMMANDERS

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