Panthers
vs.
Redskins
Week 15
NFL Pick
12/19/16
Barring a miracle the Panthers will not defend their NFC title, as they need to win out and get a TON of help to make the playoffs. However, they are coming off a win where their defense played well limiting the San Diego Chargers to 16 points. Cam Newton has had an up and down season, but the rushing offense has not been as good as it was last season and the defense has really struggled ranking 26th in opponents’ allowed.
The Redskins are coming off a big win over the Eagles and that snapped their 2-Game losing streak. Right now they are on the outside looking in at the playoffs and they could really use a home W on Monday night. Kirk Cousins has put up a monster year, but has had a few INT in the last few Games and he has to avoid the turnover in this Game. Washington’s offense has been getting it done, but they still only rank 22nd in opponents’ points allowed.
The Panthers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 Games facing the Skins in Washington.
In their last Game the Panthers were at home and beat the San Diego Chargers 28-16 where they covered the spread as a 1-point favorite.
The Redskins were in Philadelphia in their last Game beating the Eagles 27-22 covering as a 2-point favorite.
In the win over the Chargers the Panthers only had 272 total yards of offense, but the defense held San Diego to 278 yards, they forced 5 turnovers, and they totally stuffed the run. It was a good thing the Panthers’ D came to play, as in the San Diego Game Newton was only 10/27 for 160 yards with a TD and an INT and lead rusher Jonathan Stewart only rushed for 66 yards averaging a weak 2.8 yards per carry.
In the win over the Eagles the Redskins had fewer overall years (334 to 383), but they forced 2 turnovers, rushed for over 100 yards, and Cousins was a solid 14/21 for 234 yards with 2 TD and 1 INT. Washington has found a way to makes Games closer than they should and they did so in the Philly Game up 8 late in the 3rd quarter with the ball when Cousins threw a pick 6. Robert Kelly rushed for 63 yards, on 3.9 yards per carry, and Chris Thomson chimed in for 38 yards on the ground. Cousins has a slew of weapons and it looks as if star TE Jordan Reed will play even though he is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury.
Carolina is 1-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record, 1-8-1 ATS in their last 10 road Games, and in their last 6 Games on the road the posted total has gone Over 5 times.
Washington is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home Games, 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Games overall, and in their last 8 Games at home the posted total has gone Over every time.
Jason’s Pick: Carolina has only won 1 road Game all season and while the Skins will do something to make the Game pretty close they will still win and cover their 5th straight at home.