It's not officially the Josh Norman Bowl, though it sure feels that way in the lead up to Monday night's game in Landover between the Panthers (5-8) and the Redskins (7-5-1).
The Redskins are still in the thick of the NFC playoff race and desperately need a win, but the subplot of Norman facing his old team has been unavoidable for eight months after an ugly offseason divorce.
Norman, who got a massive $75 million deal from the Redskins after the Panthers rescinded his franchise tag, only upped the ante when he told reporters this week that he felt "stabbed in the back" by Panthers GM Dave Gettleman.
"He'd always been nice to me. He always was smiling, cracking jokes with us. But when you're smiling and cracking jokes, you never know behind your back it's totally different," Norman told the Charlotte Observer. "When it comes down to it, I guess it's all about money than it is relationships."
And now it's about payback.
The Panthers have missed Norman immensely this season, and Kirk Cousins and a dangerous Redskins vertical passing attack featuring DeSean Jackson and Jamison Crowder will look to expose the Panthers' duo of rookie corners, James Bradberry and Daryl Worley.
Norman, meanwhile, would love nothing more than to pick on his former team and Cam Newton, who has struggled with his accuracy in an underwhelming sequel to his 2015 MVP season.
Newton, for his part, told reporters this week that he can't become consumed with one player.
"It's not a game about him vs. us," Newton said. "We just need to win this game."
Added Panthers coach Ron Rivera: "I think the guys know what to expect from Josh."
Washington's game plan will likely hem closely to how Kirk Cousins attacked Green Bay in a prime-time game in November. Cousins threw for 375 yards and three touchdowns that night.
On defense, the Redskins have struggled to contain tight ends, which could mean a big night for Cam Newton's favorite safety valve, Greg Olsen, who has 907 receiving yards. Only the Chiefs' Travis Kelce has more receiving yards among NFL tight ends. Washington's injuries at linebacker (Will Compton and Su'a Cravens) could also make containing Newton -- who has run for 317 yards this season -- more of a challenge.
Here are more details on the matchup, including how to watch and stream the game and a pick from Pete Prisco
How to Watch
- What: Carolina Panthers at Washington Redskins
- When: Monday, Dec. 19, 8:30 p.m. ET
- Where: FedExField, Landover, Md.
- TV: ESPN (Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters)
- Streaming: Game will be available on WatchESPN
- Online: NFL Game Pass (Available to watch online after midnight)
- Odds: The Redskins are a 6.5-point favorite (via SportsLine)
Injury report
Redskins
- LB Su'a Cravens (upper arm) -- Out
- ILB Will Compton (knee) -- Doubtful
- TE Jordan Reed (shoulder) -- Questionable
- C Spencer Long (concussion) -- Questionable
- S Will Blackmon (concussion/thumb) -- Questionable
- RB Mack Brown -- Questionable
- G Shawn Lauvao (groin) -- Questionable
- OLB Ryan Kerrigan (knee) -- Questionable
- DE Chris Baker (ankle) -- Questionable
- ILB Martrell Spaight (shoulder) -- Questionable
- OT Ty Nsekhe (ankle) -- Questionable
- C John Sullivan (illness) -- Questionable
Panthers
- QB Cam Newton (shoulder) -- Questionable
- LB Luke Kuechly (concussion) -- Questionable
- WR Kelvin Benjamin (back) -- Questionable
- LB David Mayo (concussion) -- Questionable
- DE Charles Johnson (hamstring) -- Out
Prisco's Pick
The Panthers showed some life last week against the Chargers. But this is a tough game against a team still in the playoff race. Look for the Redskins to get some big plays down the field to pull this one out. Kirk Cousins plays well.
Pick: Redskins 30, Panthers 20
