There’s no shame in getting beat by the red-hot Baltimore Ravens. The Washington Commanders fought valiantly, but their weak links were exposed. They’re not quite ready to enter the elite category yet. At the same time, this project is much further along than many thought this early in Dan Quinn’s tenure.

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

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

The Panthers are 1-5 after recording two wins last campaign. They’ve become more competitive since quarterback Bryce Young was benched, but Carolina is entrenched in the NFL’s bottom feeders for a reason.

Washington can’t take it lightly and Quinn will demand a big effort from his players due to injury concerns. But as far as get-right games after losing, this is the most preferred.

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 either direction of the line (bet $110 to win $100).

Anyone with deep pockets who wants to bet on Washington’s moneyline can currently get odds of -370 (bet $370 to win $100). Carolina is the expected underdog given the team’s dismal start to 2024 at +295 (bet $100 to win $295).

FanDuel Sportsbook projects a potential shootout with an over/under of 51.5 points for the match. Again, this is available at -110, whichever side of the point spread you choose.

The game odds are updated periodically and are subject to change.

Many fans expect the Commanders to pass Carolina en route to their fifth win of the season. They are rightly advantaged, but complacency should not become a problem.

There are also possible complications. Not having Jonathan Allen will hurt. As well as Dorance Armstrong Jr. is missing, the task of the defensive line becomes even more difficult. For all the Panthers’ faults – and there are plenty of them – their offensive line is a formidable opponent to overcome.

Washington’s secondary could be vulnerable if the Panthers pick up momentum early by running back Chuba Hubbard. Andy Dalton has obvious limitations at this late stage in his career, but he can distribute the football effectively if given time to progress. Carolina also has Diontae Johnson, Xavier Legette and the emerging Jalen Coker to rely on in the passing game – something the Commanders’ struggling cornerbacks should be ready for.

Things are going to be tough for the Panthers defensively. This is something the commanders can take advantage of while Daniels is in charge. Carolina’s run defense is terrible, coupled with virtually no consistent pass rush whatsoever. That’s a disturbing combination when you encounter such a dynamic signal caller.

The Commanders must handle the favored tag with the same professionalism as they did against the Cleveland Browns. If they continue on the same path, Quinn’s men should have no problem picking up another win to bolster their postseason hopes heading into the middle.

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