Sunday's clash between the 1-5 Carolina Panthers and 4-2 Washington Commanders will feature quite a few fresh faces, as well as a number of familiar ones.
Here are four key matchups for the Week 7 battle :
We'll begin with an old friend in Luvu, who has already endeared himself to the folks over in the nation's capital.
The game-changing ability of the versatile 'backer was really on display in Washington's Week 5 victory over the Cleveland Browns , where he totaled 2.5 sacks of quarterback Deshaun Watson . Much of that pressure came when Luvu was lined up over the middle of the offensive line, so head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. won't be afraid to send No. 4 straight to the pocket.
After a solid showing in his first start at center in Week 6, Christensen must make sure Luvu doesn't blow by him en route to Andy Dalton .
Carolina's offense has a pair of juicy receiver matchups they can take advantage of this week.
The first involves their top target in Diontae Johnson — as long as he's in uniform, that is. Johnson's route-running prowess could be a problem for Washington cornerback Benjamin St-Juste , who was diced up by Baltimore 's Zay Flowers for three receptions and 32 yards over three targets last week.
If St-Juste follows Johnson around, the Panthers could also look to pair the 6-foot-3, 227-pound Legette with the 5-foot-10, 182-pound Sainristil. Both rookies flashed in Week 6, as Legette notched his second career touchdown on a phenomenal catch while Sainristil picked up his first interception as a pro.
Another rookie-on-rookie matchup for ya!
With the Panthers having reportedly released veteran cornerback Troy Hill on Friday, Smith-Wade should be in line to see more work as the team's top nickel defender. That's where McCaffrey lines up from.
Christian's brother has recorded 100 of his 123 pass snaps (81.3 percent) out of the slot. He's reeled in 11 throws for 103 yards through six games.
Fire will be fighting with fire when Horn locks up against McLaurin.
"Scary Terry" has lived up to his moniker thus far, as he's averaged 12.3 yards per reception while scoring four touchdowns.
Panthers OLB Jadeveon Clowney pessimistic about playing in Week 7
Panthers Week 7 injury report: 6 players ruled out vs. Commanders
Panthers RB Jonathon Brooks explains why he did not participate in Thursday's practice
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Key matchups for Panthers vs. Commanders in Week 7
