Panthers three key matchups to watch against Redskins

Redskins running backs vs. Panthers run defense

This is a matchup that I really like for the Carolina Panthers. It certainly works in their favor, and should help them in their quest to victory on Sunday. The Redskins rushing attack vs. the Panthers run defense should give the latter an upper hand from the get-go.

Carolina’s rushing defense is ranked fifth-best in the league with 380 yards given up in the season. That breaks down to four yards per carry. The longest rush they have allowed this season is 18 yards. Allowing only 92 yards per contest and five total touchdowns on the year, they have been stingy to say the least.

Washington is ranked No. 25 in the league with 452 yards gained on the ground. They average 3.9 yards per carry and 113 yards per game. To be frank, those are not high numbers to begin with. With the combination of an already-strong defensive unit (one that will see linebacker Thomas Davis returning), and a stagnant running attack for Washington, this is a matchup that feeds right into the defense’s hands. Last week, they only allowed 50 rushing yards to Saquon Barkley and the Giants, and they will look to build off that this week.