The Washington Redskins kept their playoff hopes alive when they snapped their two-game slide with a 27-22 win over the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday. Now they face another tough test as they look to close the gap on the final NFC Wild Card spot when they host the Carolina Panthers on Monday Night Football in Week 15.
Moneyline: Washington -215
Handicap/Spread Odds: Redskins -4
Total O/U: 51.5
Last 5 Meetings: (Road/Home – Spread/Total)
| 11/22/15 | WAS 16 – CAR 44 | NO 6 | U 52 |
| 11/04/12 | CAR 21 – WAS 13 | TB 9.5 | U 47 |
| 10/23/11 | WAS 20 – CAR 33 | TB 6 | U 47 |
| 10/11/09 | WAS 17 – CAR 20 | WAS 5 | U 38 |
| 11/26/06 | CAR 13 – WAS 17 | WAS 4 | U 36 |
On The Panthers Side of the Ball (5-8 Record, 4-8-1 ATS)
The Panthers have been one of the NFL’s most disappointing teams this season but that didn’t keep them from snapping their own two-game slide with a 28-16 win over the San Diego Chargers last week. Injuries and a lack of depth have played a role in Carolina’s defense taking a hit this season so it’s only fitting that they meet Josh Norman and the Redskins in Week 15. The defense stepped up with three interceptions and a safety against San Diego and the Panthers need a similar effort to have any shot against Washington this week. Meanwhile, Cam Newton is coming off another average performance after completing 10-of-27 pass attempts for 160 yards and a touchdown with an interception against the Chargers. Newton has regressed from his MVP form this season but he has the elite skill set to have a monster performance and really hurt the Redskins playoff hopes in the spoiler role this weekend. Jonathan Stewart had 24 carries for 66 yards and a touchdown in last week’s win over and he should see a heavy workload once again this Monday night.
Last 5 Results:
| 12/11/16 | SD | W 28-16 | W -1 | U 48.5 |
| 12/04/16 | @SEA | L 7-40 | L 8 | O 43.5 |
| 11/27/16 | @OAK | L 32-35 | W 3.5 | O 48.5 |
| 11/17/16 | NO | W 23-20 | L -3.5 | U 52.5 |
| 11/13/16 | KC | L 17-20 | L -3 | U 44 |
On The Redskins Side of the Ball (7-5-1 Record, 9-4 ATS)
Washington enters this week one-half game back of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the final NFC Wild Card spot and could leapfrog them in the standings with a win and a Buccaneers loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Kirk Cousins completed 14-of-21 passes for 234 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s win over the Eagles while Robert Kelly and Chris Thompson combined for 101 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Washington established a solid balance between the run and the pass and will look to build on that this week to keep the Carolina defense off balance. Meanwhile, Norman will undoubtedly be motivated against his former team this week as the Redskins continue to battle for a playoff position. The Washington defense finished with four sacks and an interception last week and they will need to consistently get to Newton on Monday night in order to keep him from finding a rhythm and torching them with his dual-threat abilities.
Last 5 Results:
| 12/11/16 | @PHI | W 27-22 | W -2 | O 48.5 |
| 12/04/16 | @ARI | L 23-31 | L 2.5 | O 48.5 |
| 11/24/16 | @DAL | L 26-31 | W 5.5 | O 53 |
| 11/20/16 | GB | W 42-24 | W -3 | O 48 |
| 11/13/16 | MIN | W 26-20 | W -2.5 | O 42 |
Quick Analysis
Washington has covered five of its last six games overall and is 4-2 at home this season with two more home games down the final stretch. Meanwhile, the Panthers have struggled on the road with a 1-5 mark straight up and they are just 4-6-1 ATS overall. Carolina has failed to cover in four of its past six games overall.
Prediction
Cousins and company will have a very good shot at making the playoffs as an NFC Wild Card team if they can win out beginning with a crucial matchup with the Panthers on Monday Night Football. Washington has looked much better at home than on the road including big wins over Philadelphia, Minnesota and Green Bay so while Carolina should be able to keep this game close the Redskins should be able to win and cover.
Pick: Washington -4
Note: Lines subject to change leading up to kick-off, so please be aware of the possibility of line movements.
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