NFL boff Tom Selwyn (@Tom_Selwyn) returns to cover Monday Night Football as the Patriots welcome the Ravens.
Carolina Panthers @ Washington Redskins | Tuesday 01:30 | Sky Sports 1
There’s pretty much no hope of the Panthers returning to the play-offs this season, due in part to a defence that has regressed considerably from last season.
Their struggles are particularly evident in the pass game where they are without CB Josh Norman, who now lines up for the Redskins.
Washington has a number of receivers who can take advantage of this weakness, including TE Jordan Reed who has a very appealing line, but he’s struggling with injuries and has been limited in practice all week.
Jackson to beat his line
With Reed being a bit of an unknown, the line that stands out to me is that of WR DeSean Jackson. Given his recent form, I’ll be backing him to go Over 62.5 receiving yards (10/11 SkyBet).
Jackson has really gotten going in recent weeks, averaging 93 yards over his last three games. In each of these games he has had a reception of 50 plus yards, including an 80 yard TD in last week’s game against the Eagles.
Caroline's growing pains
The Panthers are starting two rookies at CB this season and their growing pains are evidenced in the stats – Carolina is currently ranked 30th in the league against the pass, giving up 272.4 yards per-game through the air, and they also have given up the sixth-most passes of over 40 yards (11).
Taking the top off of opposing defences is Jackson’s specialty and I can see him collecting some more deep throws against an inexperienced Panthers defence that has given up the third-most yards to WRs.
Best Bets
Carolina Panthers @ Washington Redskins – DeSean Jackson to have Over 62.5 Receiving Yards – 10/11 (Sky Bet)
