Washington Commanders vs. Panthers early odds and prediction for Week 7

Being beaten by the red-hot Baltimore Ravens is no disgrace. The Washington Commanders fought valiantly, but their weak links were exposed. They're not quite ready to enter the elite category just yet. At the same time, this project is much further ahead than many thought so early into Dan Quinn's tenure.

Jayden Daniels continues to flourish under center. The Commanders believe anything is possible with the No. 2 pick. He'll always keep them in games, it's whether the defense can raise performance levels that will ultimately determine Washington's fate.

Responding to setbacks positively is what separates the good teams from the also-rans. The Commanders have a tremendous opportunity to do just that in Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers, who are going through significant issues right now in the first season under new head coach Dave Canales.

The Panthers are 1-5 after achieving two wins throughout the previous campaign. They've been more competitive since benching quarterback Bryce Young, but Carolina is rooted among the NFL's bottom feeders for a reason.

Washington cannot take them lightly and Quinn will be demanding a big effort from his players amid some injury concerns. But as far as get-right games go after a loss, this is right up there with the most preferred.

Commanders vs. Panthers early odds for Week 7

According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Commanders are 7.5-point favorites against the Panthers at Northwest Stadium. This is available at -110 in both directions of the line (bet $110 to win $100).

Anyone with deep pockets who wants to bet Washington's money line can get odds of -370 currently (bet $370 to win $100). Carolina is the expected underdog considering the team's woeful start to the 2024 campaign at +295 (bet $100 to win $295).

FanDuel Sportsbook is expecting a potential shootout with the over/under set at 51.5 points for the contest. Again, this is available at -110 whichever side of the points spread you fancy.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Commanders vs. Panthers prediction for Week 7

Many fans are expecting the Commanders to roll over Carolina en route to their fifth victory of the season. They are rightfully favored, but complacency cannot become an issue.

There are also potential complications. Not having Jonathan Allen will hurt. If Dorance Armstrong Jr. is also missing, it makes the defensive line's task even more difficult. For all the Panthers' faults - and they are in plentiful supply - their offensive line is a formidable adversary to overcome.

Washington's secondary might be vulnerable if the Panthers pick up early momentum through running back Chuba Hubbard. Andy Dalton's got obvious limitations at this late stage of his career, but he can distribute the football effectively when given time to go through his progressions. Carolina also has Diontae Johnson, Xavier Legette, and the emerging Jalen Coker to depend upon in the passing game - something the Commanders' struggling cornerbacks must be ready for.

Defensively is where things get difficult for the Panthers. This is something the Commanders can exploit with Daniels leading the charge. Carolina's run defense is abysmal, matched by almost no consistent pass rush whatsoever. That's a troubling combination when coming up against such a dynamic signal-caller.

• Prediction: Commanders win

The Commanders must handle the favorite tag with the same professionalism they accomplished against the Cleveland Browns. If they continue on the same path, Quinn's men should have no problem getting another win to bolster their postseason hopes heading into the midway point.

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