NFL Football
2011-10-23 - Washington Redskins at Carolina Panthers
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NFL Football Week 7
Sunday 23 October 2011 - Kick Off 1pm ET
6pm (British Standard Time)
Preview
Both teams come into Week 7 with their own issues to deal with as the Carolina Panthers (1-5) host the Washington Redskins (3-2) who are making a change at QB following a disappointing Offensive performance against Philadelphia last weekend.
The big question coming into the season for the Panthers was whether Cam Newton had what it takes to make it in the NFL following just one season starting in College, but he has performed very well and made the Panthers competitive in every game they have played. The question has now been changed to whether Newton can inspire his teams to wins.
The Offense is making plenty of plays, both on the ground and through the air thanks to the dual threat Newton provides in the backfield. That is also highlighted by his 7 passing TDs and 6 rushing TDs this season.
Carolina should be able to move the ball on the ground as Washington are giving up 4.6 yards per carry this season, but they will find it much tougher to pass the ball against this Redskins Defense that has 17 sacks on the season and held teams to 215 yards per game through the air.
Mike Shanahan made a change at QB as 'Bad Rex' was playing far too much and he has benched Grossman in favour of John Beck, who has not started since 2007. I can imagine Beck will be handing the ball off to his running backs more often than not as the Panthers have really struggled to stop teams on the ground and were torched by Michael Turner last week.
However, the Washington Offensive Line is completely banged up at the moment and struggled to get the ball moving against the Eagles last week and that means Beck will be expected to make some plays. The Panthers will be able to get some pressure on Beck when he goes back to throw, while the Redskins have struggled to move the ball with any consistency through the air this season.
Head to Head
Carolina beat Washington the last time they played one another in 2009, winning by 3 points here.
Washington have won the last 4 games against the spread in the series.
The Redskins have won the last 4 games against the spread in games played in Carolina.
Carolina are 4-2 against the spread this season, Washington are 3-2.
Other Interesting Trends
Carolina are 4-1-1 against the spread in their last 6 games as the home favourite of between 0.5 and 3 points.
They are 2-7 against the spread in their last 9 games against a team with a winning record.
Washington are 1-3-4 against the spread in their last 8 games as the road underdog being given between 0.5 and 3 points.
They are 7-20-3 against the spread in their last 30 games against a team with a losing record.
Prediction
I am going to back the Carolina Panthers to win and cover the spread for the following reasons:
First, the have been involved in every game they have played this season and would have won last week if it wasn't for a couple of unlucky Interceptions.
Second, John Beck is making his first start in the NFL since 2007 and he will be under pressure behind a banged up Offensive Line that may not give him a chance to get to 3rd and manageable situations.
Third, the dual threat of Cam Newton should allow the Panthers to move the chains a little better than the Redskins.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Carolina Panthers 20-16 Washington Redskins
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back the Carolina Panthers -2.5 Points @ 1.95
