What a treat NFL fans have when the Cincinnati Bengals visit the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
Last week, the Panthers (1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS) replaced starting QB Bryce Young with veteran Andy Dalton, and Dalton led the team to a road win in Las Vegas. Now the Panthers are back home and will face the team that drafted Dalton in 2011.
Despite the Bengals (0-3 SU, 1-2 ATS) being the road team, they are the favorite to win this game by more than a field goal. Here is our Bengals vs. Panthers NFL Week 4 prediction, odds and best bet.
Bengals vs. Panthers Prediction
- Bengals -4 (-108 odds at Caesars Sportsbook)
- Zack Moss rushing yards Over 53.5 (-110 odds at bet365 Sportsbook)
- Diontae Johnson receiving yards Over 60.5 (-110 odds at bet365 Sportsbook)
Offense has not been the problem for Cincinnati. Last week, they scored four touchdowns, punted zero times and committed zero turnovers. They are the first time in the modern era of the NFL to lose a game after doing that. So, betting on the Bengals’ offense to show up again is smart.
It’s the defense that is holding back the Bengals. It wasn’t that bad in their last-second loss at Kansas City two weeks ago, but it was awful in Monday Night’s loss to Washington. Dalton was great for the Panthers last week, but he’s no Jayden Daniels. It will be tough for the Panthers to match the Commanders’ offensive performance.
And if the Bengals have a chance to put the game away in the fourth quarter, you can count on QB Joe Burrow to get it done.
RB Chase Brown got a few more touches last week against Washington, but Zack Moss is still the leader in the backfield. Last week he rushed for 58 yards on 4.8 yards per carry. In the opening loss to New England, he rushed for 44 yards on 4.9 yards per carry. He should surpass 53 rushing yards against the Panthers, who allow 4.7 yards per carry.
Although it wouldn’t be smart to expect Dalton to pass for more than 300 yards in every game, it makes sense to give him and the offense enough credit that it can sustain a leading receiver with more than 60 yards.
Carolina has been one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, and there is no reason to expect that trend to stop against the Bengals. Yes, Cincinnati loves to pass the ball, but it doesn’t stop it from running the ball when it knows it can be effective.
Enter Diontae Johnson. He was brought to Carolina to be the focus of the passing game, and that’s exactly what he was in the win over the Raiders. He caught eight passes for 122 yards and a touchdown. Against Cincinnati, he could get even more attention from Dalton since fellow WR Adam Thielen has been placed on the IR.
NFL Week 4 Bengals vs. Panthers odds
The point spread opened at Bengals -5 and quickly moved down to Bengals -4.5 and -4. That’s where it stands going into this game.
The total opened at 46 points, but after both teams had great offensive performances last week, it has moved up to 47 or 47.5 points depending on your chosen sports betting app.
Bengals vs. Panthers moneyline odds analysis
Why Cincinnati could win as the favorite
Best odds: -192 at DraftKings Sportsbook
The Bengals’ early season struggles under head coach Zac Taylor are well documented. With Burrow leading the way, however, Cincy has always bounced back. At 0-3, the Bengals have a bigger hole to climb out of this season, but if anybody can do it, it’s Burrow.
He has played well so far, and you can expect that to continue against Carolina. On the other hand, it is unlikely that the defense plays as poorly as it did against Washington.
It might be uneasy to back the Bengals after the 0-3 start, but Burrow is the right QB to lead the way out of the dungeon.
Why Carolina could win as the underdog
Best odds: +184 at FanDuel Sportsbook
Although the Bengals are not likely to play as poorly on defense, there’s a chance the improved effort is not good enough.
Dalton’s insertion as the starter breathed life into the Panthers. Maybe that’s what the offense has been waiting for. Not only do the Panthers have a better quarterback at the helm, they have more confidence.
RB Chuba Hubbard is certainly capable of being effective, and WR Diontae Johnson is known for his high upside. The Panthers will need another WR to step up in Thielen’s absence. If Xavier Legette or Jonathan Mingo can do that, Carolina could be one of the early-season surprises.
