There's no shame in getting beaten by the red-hot Baltimore Ravens. The Washington Commanders fought bravely, but their tenuous connections 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 so early in Dan Quinn's tenure.

Jayden Daniels continues to thrive at center. The commanders believe that anything is possible with the number 2. He will always keep them in games. Whether the defense can improve its performance level will ultimately determine Washington's fate.

Responding positively to setbacks is what separates the good teams from the losers. The Commanders have a tremendous opportunity to do just that in Week 7 against the Carolina Panthers, who are currently struggling in their first season under new head coach Dave Canales.

The Panthers are 1-5 after picking up two wins the previous season. They've been more competitive since benching quarterback Bryce Young, but Carolina is among the NFL's bottom teams for good reason.

Washington can't take them lightly and Quinn will demand great effort from his players given some injury concerns. But as far as the right plays to play after a loss, this is at the top of the list of most preferred plays.

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

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

FanDuel Sportsbook is projecting a potential shootout, with the over/under for the contest sitting at 51.5 points. Again, this is possible at -110, regardless of which side of the points distribution you prefer.

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

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

There are also possible complications. Not having Jonathan Allen will hurt. With Dorance Armstrong Jr. also out, the defensive line's job becomes even more difficult. For all of the Panthers' flaws – and they are plentiful – their offensive line is a formidable opponent to overcome.

Washington's secondary could be vulnerable if the Panthers gain early momentum from 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. In the passing game, Carolina can also rely on Diontae Johnson,

Things will be difficult for the Panthers on defense. This is something commanders can take advantage of with Daniels leading the attack. Carolina's run defense is abysmal coupled with almost no consistent pass rush. That's a troubling combination when you're dealing with such a dynamic signal-caller.

The Commanders have to handle being favorites 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 boost their postseason hopes by the halfway point.

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