Carolina Panthers vs. Cincinnati Bengals Preview (11/06/2022): Betting Odds, Prediction, Depth Chart

The Panthers are on their way to Cincinnati after both teams suffered tough losses in week 8. The Bengals looked like a shell of themselves on Monday night in a loss to their division rival, the Cleveland Browns. The Panthers also underwent a tough division loss which cost them a chance at gaining the NFC South lead, but have shown more fight under Interim Coach Steve Wilks. Will the Panthers continue off their recent momentum? Or will the Bengals rebound? Let’s check it out.

Carolina Panthers Vs. Cincinnati Bengals Betting Odds

The Bengals are 7 point favorites at home versus the visiting Panthers. The over/under is set at 42.5. This is only the Bengals 4th home game of the year. They are currently 2-1 at home on the year while the Panthers are 0-3 on the road this year.

Carolina Panthers Vs. Cincinnati Bengals Prediction

QB P.J. Walker will remain the starter for the Panthers after throwing for a career high 317 yards Sunday. Though Walker ultimately fell short in leading the Panthers to a win and first place in the NFC South versus the Falcons, his impressive throw to D.J. Moore and overall play were key parts in the Panthers improved play over the past couple weeks. The 62 yard touchdown was so eye-popping, even MVP QB Patrick Mahomes called it the throw of the year.
https://twitter.com/PatrickMahomes/status/1586815439455272965?s=20&t=eCHPFmWyuJow07RpB8elTA

PJ Walker's Hail Mary TD pass to D.J. Moore traveled 67.6 yards in the air, the longest completion by air distance in the Next Gen Stats era (since 2016).

🔹 Completion Probability: 11.5%#CARvsATL | Powered by @awscloud pic.twitter.com/FaXEOxkLhQ

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 30, 2022

The Bengals offense looked miserable versus the Browns sans superstar WR Ja’Marr Chase. They put up 0 points throughout the first three quarters and were unable to put together any offensive momentum until garbage time. They only had 62 yards rushing, and the offensive line once again struggled to protect QB Joe Burrow. Not only did their run game struggle, but the defense gave up 172 rushing yards to the Browns, keeping the Bengals from having any control over the flow of the game. The Browns had 13 minutes and 30 seconds more time with the football, which significantly hindered the Bengals attack and kept the defense on the field, tiring them out.

I’m taking the Bengals to win over the Panthers. Though they have struggled without Chase playing, the Browns are a tough divisional matchup and the Panthers defensive line is less threatening to the offensive line than the Browns were.

Prediction: Bengals win 27-17, Over hits

Betting Trends

• Panthers are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record
• Bengals are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 home games

Panthers vs Bengals Key Injuries

Cincinnati Bengals Injuries: Chidobe Awuzie (O), Ja’Marr Chase (O), Josh Tupou (Q), Eli Apple (Q), Tre Flowers (Q), Brandon Wilson (Q), Isaiah Prince (Q), Sam Hubbard (Q), Tycen Anderson (Q), D.J. Reader (O)

Carolina Panthers Injuries: Chuba Hubbard (Q), Sam Darnold (Q), Juston Burris (Q), Andre Roberts (Q), Henry Anderson (Q), Pat Elflein (O), Stantley Thomas-Oliver (O), Jeremy Chinn (Q)
Cincinnati Bengals Injuries: Patrick Mahomes (Q), Travis Kelce (Q)

Panthers vs Bengals Key Matchups

Check out the key matchups for Panthers vs Bengals below.

Panthers Run Game vs the Bengals Defensive Front

After the Panthers traded away superstar RB Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers, expectations were even lower for the Panthers offense and rush attack. Yet, D’Onta Foreman helped keep the Panthers from losing a step with his 118 yard performance against the Falcons. Backup RB Chuba Hubbard also picked up steam as he’ll begin to get more touches following McCaffrey’s departure. He’s averaged 6.5 yards per carry this season and will form a 1-2 punch with Foreman in the Panthers backfield. The Bengals have given up 125.6 rushing yards per game, so look for the Panthers to keep their ground attack pounding.

Bengals Offensive Line vs Panthers Defensive Front

The Bengals offensive line once again continued its porous streak on Monday night, allowing the Browns defensive line to get to Joe Burrow 5 times. Even with all their attempts to revamp their line this offseason, they’ve still let up 30 sacks on the season, second most in the league. The good news for the Bengals is the Panthers have not succeeded in getting to the quarterback, with a 3rd worst 12 sacks on the year. DE Brian Burns has been by far the best player on the Panthers front, with 5 sacks through 8 games. Across the league, Burns is regarded highly. The Rams even tried to offer 2 first round picks for Burns, but the Panthers rejected the offer.

Carolina Panthers Depth Chart

QB: P.J. Walker
RB1: D’Onta Foreman
RB2: Chuba Hubbard
LWR: D.J. Moore
RWR: Terrace Marshall Jr.
SWR: Shi Smith
TE1: Ian Thomas

Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart

QB: Joe Burrow
RB1: Joe Mixon
RB2: Samaje Perine
LWR: Ja’Marr Chase
RWR: Tee Higgins
SWR: Tyler Boyd
TE1: Hayden Hurst