Washington (3-6) at Panthers (5-5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Panthers by 2 ⁄2
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Washington’s keys to victory: Much of the attention in this particular game will, of course, go to the Panthers offense – where QB Cam Newton is set to make his home return. But Washington will have to worry more about Carolina’s stingy defense. It will need a secure and composed outing from QB Taylor Heinicke and a little more out of RB Antonio Gibson, whom the team tried to get going with 24 rushes (64 yards, two touchdowns) in Week 10’s victory over the Buccaneers.
Panthers’ keys to victory: Carolina has to keep Gibson down. He’s averaged just 3.7 yards per carry, making the burden on Washington’s passing game much heavier. The pass rushing duo of DEs Brian Burns and Haason Reddick (9.5 sacks) would love to see more of that burden to get Heinicke into trouble. RB Christian McCaffrey has to keep the Panthers’ offense rolling. He’s totaled 267 yards from scrimmage on 41 touches in two games since returning from a strained hamstring.
Matchup to watch: Washington RB J.D. McKissic vs. Panthers LB Shaq Thompson. McKissic has been a nice little weapon, recording three games of at least 65 receiving yards out of the backfield. Thompson has recorded double-digit tackles in three of his seven games. He’ll look to rack up more while trying to contain McKissic’s potent underneath activity.
Who wins? The Panthers, with Newton to complement QB P.J. Walker, are reenergized. They’re also more talented.
Panthers, 31-14