Skins at Panthers Pick
Two teams that have struggled in the early going will meet at Bank of America Stadium when the Carolina Panthers host the Washington Redskins on Sunday.
The Redskins struggled, but they improved to 2-2 with a 16-13 win over the Buccaneers in Week 4. Jason Campbell threw a pair of touchdown passes in the third quarter, although Washington failed to cover as 9-point favorites.
The Panthers had a bye last week, but fell to 0-3 with a 21-7 loss to the Cowboys in Week 3. Jake Delhomme went 22 of 33 for 220 yards and a touchdown, but he also finished with two interceptions.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Panthers 3.5-point favorites over the Redskins on Sunday. The over/under total for this game has been set at 37.5.
Both of these teams are bad in their own special way. Washington can often move the ball throughout games, but thanks to Jim Zorn and his conservative playcalling, the Redskins usually fail to produce touchdowns when they get inside the red zone.
The Panthers still have a decent ground game, but Delhomme does an excellent job of ruining momentum by often taking sacks or throwing interceptions. The defense has also had issues stopping the pass.
Although they shouldn’t instill a lot of confidence in bettors, Carolina should win their first game in 2009 this week. Washington needed two touchdowns in the third quarter to beat a bad Tampa team at home last week and the Panthers have had an extra week to prepare.
We like the Panthers to cover in a boring, low-scoring affair.
Our NFL Week 5 Free Pick for this matchup is: CAROLINA PANTHERS –3.5 and UNDER 37.5.
Redskins at Panthers Current Odds
405 Washington Redskins +3.5 Over 37.5
406 Carolina Panthers –3.5 Under 37.5
Washington is 0-3-2 ATS in its last 5 games on the road
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Carolina is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
Carolina is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
Washington Redskins
Hunter Smith, P, Out Week 5 (left groin)
Anthony Montgomery, DT, Doubtful Week 5 (knee)
Cornelius Griffin DT Questionable Week 5 (elbow)
Chris Samuels, T, Probable Week 5 (knee)
Carolina Panthers
Mike Goodson, RB, Out Week 5 (concussion)
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Questionable Week 5 (achilles)
Everette Brown, DE, Probable Week 5 (ankle)
Na’il Diggs, LB, Probable Week 5 (rib)
Tony Fiammetta, RB, Probable Week 5 (ankle)
Chris Harris, S, Probable Week 5 (knee)
Posted: 10/11/09 8:05AM ET