Carolina Panthers at Washington Football Team: 12/27/20 NFL Picks and Prediction

Defensively, Carolina is allowing their opponents to average 25.4 ppg on 371.7 total yards per game (252.3 passing yds/g; 119.4 rushing yds/g)

The Washington Football Team has their 4-game winning streak snapped and dropped to 6-8 on the season after being defeated by the Seattle Seahawks, 20-15, this past Sunday. Washington was able to make it a game late after TD’s early in the 4th quarter by both Peyton Barber & J.D. McKissic made it a one possession game midway through the 4th quarter, however, despite having a chance to get the go-ahead TD, Dwayne Haskins took back-to-back sacks late and Washington turned it over on downs. Washington outgained Seattle by a 353-302 margin, however, lost the turnover battle by a 2-1 margin in the loss. Leading the way for Washington was TE Lance Thomas who had 13 receptions for 101 yards.

On the season, Washington is allowing their opponents to average 21.6 ppg on 338.8 total yards per game (238.8 passing yds/g; 100.0 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Washington has been led by RB Antonio Gibson who had 659 rushing yards & 11 TD’s on 141 carries, while also hauling in 32 receptions for 233 yards. Gibson missed last game with turf toe and should be considered questionable for this matchup. Leading the backfield currently for Washington is the duo of J.D. McKissic (79 att, 350 yards, TD; 67 rec, 482 yards, TD) & Peyton Barber (89 att, 238 yards, 4 TD). Washington has had a QB carousel this season and if Alex Smith isn’t able to go after missing last week, Washington will once again go with Dwayne Haskins Jr. (62.9 CMP %, 1,285 yards, 5 TD, 5 INT). The top receiving threats for Washington have been Terry McLaurin (80 rec, 1,078 yards, 3 TD) & Logan Thomas (62 rec, 570 yards, 5 TD).

Defensively, Washington is holding their opponents to an average of 21.1 ppg on 332.2 total yards per game (219.8 passing yds/g; 112.4 rushing yds/g).

The Panthers are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games and 8-1 ATS in their last 9 games as an underdog. Washington is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall and 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games in Week 16.

Washington’s defense has been lights out over their past five games, holding their opponents to an average of just 15.4 ppg. Carolina, although not a powerhouse defense, was quite impressive against Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay, holding the Packers to under 300 total yards and I think they will have a much easier time against a Washington offense that I can’t trust with Dwayne Haskins under center. This game screams under to me and as I expect the total to go down as the week goes on, I’m getting on this one sooner than later. Good Luck!