3 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers at Washington

Bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers at Washington in Week 16.

The Carolina Panthers head to the nation’s capital for a matchup against Ron Rivera and the Washington Football Team in Week 16. Matt Rhule’s men are in contention for a top-five pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and their former head coach is in contention for the playoffs.

With a game at Philadelphia to end the season, Rivera’s club desperately needs this win to stay in the hunt for the NFC East title. Washington’s defense has been light’s out, but the team’s biggest uncertainty all season has been the revolving door at quarterback.

Comeback Player of the Year candidate Alex Smith could be a game-time decision with a calf injury, but if he can’t go they’ll have to rely on their second-year signal caller Dwayne Haskins. To add insult to injury, the Football Team’s leading wide receiver – Terry McLaurin – and running back Antonio Gibson, could be sidelined as well.

For the Panthers, losing out would guarantee they pick now lower than fourth in the first round of the draft. A selection that high presents some interesting possibilities.

In the midst of the college “bowl” season scouts and fans will have one more chance to watch what may be a future Carolina Panther take the field. The huge decision of which player to select will be one of the main responsibilities of the person chosen to replace Marty Hurney.

While the choice for that role is on the horizon, the franchise has two more games this season to focus on. Here are three bold predictions for Sunday’s game at Washington.