Bengals Seek First Win Against Revitalized Panthers

The Cincinnati Bengals are preparing to face the Carolina Panthers this Sunday, as the Bengals continue their search for a victory in the 2024 NFL season. The matchup comes after the Bengals’ narrow 38-33 defeat to the Washington Commanders last Monday, whereas the Panthers are riding high from a 36-22 triumph over the Las Vegas Raiders the previous Sunday. Set for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Bengals are entering as 4.5-point favorites according to recent odds from SportsLine consensus.

Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton will lead the Panthers once again after his pivotal role in the victory against the Raiders. Dalton, who stepped in for the previously benched Bryce Young, threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns against his former team, highlighting a rejuvenated Carolina offense. The Panthers, despite recent struggles, including losing 17 of their last 20 games, hope to build on this momentum.

The Bengals, who have been successful in past NFC matchups with a 9-1 record in their last 10 games, aim to rectify their rocky start. Cincinnati was outperformed in key areas during last week’s game against the Commanders, despite their quarterback Joe Burrow‘s impressive performance. Burrow completed 76.3% of his passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns, supported by standout performances from All-Pro wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase.

The performance of the Bengals’ defense will be under scrutiny as they attempt to subdue an invigorated Panthers offense. Dalton’s familiarity with the Bengals from his nine-year tenure with the team could be a deciding factor. In their previous encounters, Dalton has maintained a 2-1 record against Cincinnati, efficiently throwing four touchdowns with no interceptions.

SportsLine’s model, which simulates every NFL game 10,000 times, favors the over on the point total for this matchup, suggesting a high-scoring affair. It has also leaned heavily on a particular spread pick that proves successful in over 50% of simulations. Those invested in analytics will note that this model boasts a historically robust track record, demonstrating significant returns on top-rated NFL picks.

The game will be broadcast on FOX, with live streaming available through various platforms, providing fans ample opportunity to witness a pivotal Week 4 showdown. As both teams continue to negotiate their early season narratives, Sunday’s game offers a critical opportunity for momentum shifts in the 2024 campaign.