Panthers vs. Commanders Predictions, Picks & Odds: NFL Week 7, Sunday 10/20

Prior to the season, a matchup between the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders looked destined to be one that would be a battle to avoid the worst record in the NFC, if not the NFL. It’s safe to say that things have greatly changed, and we’re here for the matchup with our best Panthers vs. Commanders predictions.
Alongside a best bet from our Panthers vs. Commanders picks, the latest Panthers vs. Commanders odds and even injury news, we’ve also got a FanDuel Sportsbook new user bonus for you for a chance at a 60x boost!
Panthers vs. Commanders Predictions For NFL Week 7, Sunday 10/20
When we say that things have greatly changed from preseason perception, that is entirely on the Commanders side of things. When it comes to Carolina, they are nearly on pace for another 2-15 season, but now, with more QB drama.
As for Washington, their young QB has not only caused zero controversy, but is also a true MVP candidate! Therefore, yes, we fully expect the Commanders to kickstart a new winning streak after their four-game one was snapped last Sunday.
For our purposes, the question isn’t if Washington can win, but rather, by how much or is the value in the betting markets elsewhere? As far as the best bet from our Panthers vs. Commanders predictions goes, we believe the latter.
Carolina Panthers: Putting The Past Behind Them
Of course, the headline above is infinitely more difficult to do than it is to say. The Panthers came into this season with that plan to begin with, and now sitting at 1-5, they would like to finally do so.
When they made the swap to QB Andy Dalton, Carolina was able to grab that lone win, so it felt as though he was the spark that they needed. However, they have since come back to Earth, losing each of their last three games by double digits. So, once again, it’s difficult to imagine Washington not grabbing this victory.
Washington Commanders: Taking Control Of The NFC East
Speaking of a Washington win, a victory would be significant in their quest to completely turn the NFC East on its head. Sitting atop the division at 4-2 was something that nearly no fan had before the season, including Commanders fans.
Rookie QB Jayden Daniels has looked every bit the part of the #2 overall pick and proving that perhaps he should have been chosen ahead of Caleb Williams. As great as he’s been, it is just as important to note that if Washington wants to be a true threat for the postseason, they absolutely need to improve their defense.
Panthers vs. Commanders Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
We’ve also got the latest Panthers vs. Commanders odds at FanDuel Sportsbook for you, which is where we found the best value when it comes to the best bet from our Panthers vs. Commanders picks:
- Point Spread: Carolina Panthers +7.5 (-110) vs. Washington Commanders -7.5 (-110)
- Money Line: Carolina Panthers (+295) vs. Washington Commanders (-370)
- Game Total (Over/Under): Over 51.5 (-110) vs. Under 51.5 (-110)
Panthers vs. Commanders Predictions: Under 51.5 Points (-110 at FanDuel Sportsbook)
With a point spread just a tick over the key number of a touchdown, we’d prefer to focus elsewhere with our Panthers vs. Commanders predictions. Although we mentioned that Carolina has been losing games by double digits, we see strong value in the total market.
Seeing this matchup have the highest total on the board doesn’t come as a surprise, but we don’t see these teams combining for more than 50 points. We projected a total of 48.5, and the lesser value is primarily due to the Panthers’ inability to find the endzone.
As previously mentioned, Washington absolutely does need to improve their defense. Primarily, they need to shore up the back end, but as for this week, we simply don’t believe that Carolina has the firepower to exploit that. If anything, RB Chuba Hubbard has been the beneficiary of having Dalton under center.
Well, that’s if the team can ever figure out who they want taking snaps. Late in games when they’re done, they feel as though it’s a good idea to throw in second-year QB Bryce Young for a handful of snaps when the defense can pin their ears back and rush him as if that will somehow bring his confidence back.
The entire Panthers organization needs to figure things out/ So, while we know that the Commanders will put up their fair share of points, we don’t see Carolina doing their part. When all is said and done, we’re projecting a 28-20 or even a 30-17 type of game.
Therefore, the best bet from our Panthers vs. Commanders predictions is under 51.5 points (-110 at FanDuel Sportsbook).
Panthers vs. Commanders Injury Report & Latest News
When it comes to the latest injury news, we’ve got the Thursday practice report for both teams listed below:
CAR Panthers:
- Jadeveon Clowney - DNP
- Jonathon Brooks - DNP
- A'Shawn Robinson - DNP
- Jon Rhattigan - DNP
- Taylor Moton - DNP
- Diontae Johnson - DNP
- Josey Jewell - DNP
- Claudin Cherelus - DNP
- Ian Thomas - LP
- Marquis Haynes - LP
- Ikem Ekwonu - LP
- Nick Scott - LP
- LaBryan Ray - LP
- David Moore - LP
WAS Commanders:
- DE Dorance Armstrong - DNP
- LB Frankie Luvu - DNP
- LB Bobby Wagner - DNP
- C Tyler Biadasz - LP
- DE Clelin Ferrell - LP
- S Quan Martin - LP
- S Tyler Owens - LP
- RB Brian Robinson - LP
- LG Nick Allegretti - LP
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Player News
Dolphins signed No. 13 overall pick DT Kenneth Grant to a four-year contract.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Grant will sign his contract today. The former Michigan defensive tackle is expected to fill a major void left by Christian Wilkins, who left for the Raiders in the 2024 offseason. Grant totaled 32 tackles, three sacks, and seven TFLs in his final season at Michigan and excelled at stopping the run while also generating 27 pressures in his final season, per PFF.
Beat reporter John Hendrix reports that free agent WR Donovan Peoples-Jones is among the 16 players that the Saints will host for their rookie minicamp.
Peoples-Jones last played regular season snaps with the Lions back in 2023, when he caught 13-of-24 targets for 155 yards. He is highly unlikely to return to fantasy relevance at this point but could perhaps sign on as a special teams contributor.
Titans signed fourth-round pick WR Elic Ayomanor to a four-year contract.
Ayomanor will now begin learning behind Calvin Ridley. Although Ayomanor is unlikely to find a meaningful role in year one, dynasty managers should note his status as training camp gets underway this summer. The former Stanford receiver flashed big-play ability in his two college seasons.
Buccaneers signed seventh-round pick WR Tez Johnson to a four-year contract.
Johnson will serve as a rotational deep-threat option for Baker Mayfield. His thin frame (5'10/154) simply does not lend itself to the repeated hits one incurs in a full-time role. Johnson did earn 100-plus targets in his two seasons at Oregon, though. His big-play style make him a better fit in best ball for now, pending any major on-field breakthroughs.
Giants waived DT Casey Rogers.
Rogers was a 2024 undrafted free agent and logged 33 defensive snaps for the Giants in his rookie season. He is credited with zero tackles and/or sacks. He may find his way onto another roster as a practice squad option.
Vikings signed third-round pick WR Tai Felton to a four-year contract.
Felton is quietly in play to challenge Vikings No. 3 WR Jalen Nailor in training camp. Nailor (5'11/190) caught 28-of-42 targets for 414 yards and six touchdowns in his first season as a starter last year, with the latter category buoying his fantasy productivity. Felton (6'1/183), meanwhile, caught 96-of-143 targets for 1,119 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 2.32 yards per route run in his final college season. Fantasy managers should monitor Felton’s training camp reports this summer, as he could have a matchup-based WR5 role if everything falls into place.