Redskins vs Panthers Odds - Balky run defense kills Panthers against Redskins
Sunday’s Redskins vs Panthers odds features a pair of teams badly in need of a statement win, as Washington is trying to keep pace in the competitive NFC East, while Carolina just needs a victory for momentum. However, the Panthers haven’t shown yet that they can stop the run, and this will play into the Redskins’ hands as Washington comes away with the betting win.
Redskins vs Panthers Odds: Redskins -3.5 (Total: 43.5)
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Redskins vs Panthers odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
Washington (2-2) struggled to beat Tampa Bay at home a week after losing in Detroit, while the Panthers (0-3) are coming off a much-needed bye week. The Redskins have been awful against really bad teams as of late, but an 0-4 start would virtually sink the Panthers’ season. Betting Edge: Panthers
Redskins vs Panthers odds maker breakdown: Offense
Yes, Jason Campbell isn’t that good of a quarterback, we know this. But it’s the ground game that’s been hurting the Redskins this year as they’re 21st in that category. Part of that may be because teams are keying on Clinton Portis and the running game, but they should be able to gain more than the 125 yards they racked up in their 16-13 win over the Bucs. There really hasn’t been anything good about the Panthers’ start, as Jake Delhomme has been humorously bad, but at least Steve Smith hasn’t punched a teammate...yet (wonder what the sportsbook odds on that are). The heralded backfield duo of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart haven’t done anything of note, but like Washington, the opposition can afford to put eight in the box against them, which shows no confidence in their quarterback. Betting Edge: Redskins
Redskins vs Panthers odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Redskins have been solid on defense, and they’re tied for fourth in the league in points allowed, but they’re still waiting for Albert Haynesworth to have the impact they hoped for when they signed him to a $100 million contract. Rookie Brian Orakpo has been great, however. The Carolina defense is improving, but they’re still 30th in points allowed, and they’re the worst in the league in run defense, which is never a good sign in the NFC. They’ve yet to have safety Chris Harris on the field, which is hurt tremendously. Betting Edge: Redskins
Redskins vs Panthers odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Punter Hunter Smith (groin) hurt himself early in the Tampa Bay game and is questionable for this week, while defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin (elbow) was also injured against the Bucs. Fullback Brad Hoover (back) should be back in the lineup after missing Carolina’s Week 3 loss to Dallas, while Harris (knee) should make his return. Defensive end Everette Brown (ankle) also hopes to be ready. Betting Edge: Panthers
Team vs Team odds for total: Under 43.5
Three of the last four meetings between these two have gone under the posted total, while the other game was a push. Neither offense is in the upper echelon of the league, so the under is the betting play here. Pick: UNDER 43.5
Redskins vs Panthers betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Redskins have won seven of their last eight against the Panthers, but six of those have come by four points or less. Campbell has shown some life lately, but it’s the ground game that will carry the Redskins to victory this week. Carolina’s run defense is just atrocious, which is what the doctor ordered for Portis and the Washington ground game. Look for the Redskins to control the clock here. STAN’S PICK: Redskins -3.5
For more sports betting tips, picks and analysis throughout the 2009-10 campaign, bookmark Stan in the Betting Edge at betonline.com. For more on the Redskins vs Panthers matchup, check out our stats section. Stan Simmons is one of betonline.com's NFL experts.
