Contrarian Crusher NFL 8*
(NFL) Carolina vs. Washington, 12/27/2020 4:05 PM, Score: 20 - 13
Point Spread: 1.00 | -104.00 Carolina (Away)
Result: Win
Contrarian Crusher - Scott "The Bulldog" Rickenbach NFL Rotation #469 Sunday 8* Carolina Panthers (+) @ Washington @ 4:05 ET - Typical contrarian play for me here. The Panthers have lost 8 of their last 9 games and yet are only a 1 point dog here against a Washington team that is trying to lock up the NFC East division and has won 4 of their last 5 games SU and 5 in a row ATS. Of course I am on Carolina in a contrarian spot like this and will fade Washington. The big issue for the host here is that QB Alex Smith is hurt and might miss this game. If he plays he won't be near 100 percent and if he doesn't play it means we're seeing Dwayne Haskins under center and he has struggled. I like the fact that Carolina, though struggling to get SU wins, has been very scrappy. The Panthers are still playing hard and they are hungry for a victory and they would love to play the role of spoiler. Adding up all those factors plus being the healthier team (Washington also without top WR Terry McLaurin for this one), Carolina is the play in this one. The Panthers are on a 5-1 ATS run as a road dog and also outgained the Packers in their loss at Green Bay last week. Additionally, Carolina has revenge from losing to Washington each of the past two seasons despite the Panthers having more first downs in each game. Payback time here as they play the role of spoiler on the road Sunday. 8* CAROLINA