The Washington Football Team heads back on the road in Week 11 with a trip to Charlotte to face the Carolina Panthers.
This matchup is chock full of interesting storylines. First, you have Washington coach Ron Rivera making his first trip to Carolina as an opposing head coach. Rivera spent nine seasons in Charlotte as head coach of the Panthers.
You also have the potential of former Carolina franchise passer, Cam Newton, potentially making his first start for the Panthers since 2019. Carolina coach Matt Rhule said this week Newton would receive the bulk of practice snaps in hoping he’d be ready to face his former coach in Week 11.
Both teams enter this week coming off big wins. The Panthers defeated the previously 8-1 Cardinals, 24-10, while Washington dominated the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 29-19, to snap a four-game losing streak.
So, who has the advantage this week?
According to Tipico Sportsbook, the Panthers open as 3.5-point favorites over Washington.
Carolina will have a backfield featuring Newton and running back Christian McCaffrey, meaning Washington’s improved defense will have its hands full. Meanwhile, Washington is without defensive end Chase Young for the remainder of the season. Young tore his ACL in Sunday’s win over the Bucs.