A disheartened 0-3 Cincinnati Bengals squad rolls into Carolina to take on the Panthers in Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season. Zac Taylor's squad fell to the upstart Commanders on Monday Night Football plunging Cincinnati into last place in the AFC North. Meanwhile, the Panthers enter off a fantastic victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, led by the extraordinary talents of Andy Dalton.
Let's take a peek at all the Bengals vs Panthers odds and my best bets for this Week 4 clash.
Bengals vs Panthers Odds Week 4
Cincinnati Bengals vs Carolina Panthers Sept. 29, 1:00 p.m. ET
Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
Cincinnati Bengals | -4.5 (-105) | -225 | O 48.5 (-105) |
Carolina Panthers | +4.5 (-115) | +188 | U 48.5 (-115) |
Odds as of Sept. 24 at FanDuel
Bengals vs Panthers Picks Week 4
Bengals -4.5
Joe Burrow and the Bengals loss against the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football has their team reeling. However, all is not lost in Cincinnati.
Zac Taylor's squad ranks fourth in scoring at 34 points per game, while sitting third in EPA/play. Burrow finally got the downfield passing attack in rhythm against the Commanders with both Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase on the field. There's no reason to believe Cincinnati can't continue that success against a putrid Panthers defense.
On the other side of the field, Carolina sits 31st in red zone scoring defense, allowing opponents to convert 88.9% of opportunities into touchdowns. They're also 27th in the NFL in third-down conversion rate allowed (47.5%), first downs surrendered per game (21), and rushing yards allowed per game (151.3).
The rushing stats in particular point to a Bengals win here, as Cincinnati sits second in the league in rushing EPA (0.145). I love the idea of backing a depressed asset in Cincinnati against a terrible Panthers team. Last week's 300-yard, three touchdown performance from Andy Dalton was an aberration. Don't expect to see that again.
Bengals vs Panthers Prop Pick
Joe Burrow 275+ Passing Yards +142
According to PFF, the Carolina Panthers pass rushing grade sits 31st in the NFL at 55.9. They're also 26th coverage, which has lead to Dave Canales' team surrendering 0.078 EPA per play, 27th in the league.
Despite the Bengals 0-3 record, Joe Burrow ranks eighth in EPA per play, and seventh in success rate. The former LSU star is also ninth in completion percentage over expected. He remains an elite (cue the Joe Flacco meme, still) quarterback.
Zac Taylor's offense lie as the 15th ranked red zone unit, converting on just 50% of chances inside the opponents' 20. Cincinnati has handed 11 touches to Zack Moss inside the red zone, and must find the end zone more. Expect Joe Burrow to have plenty of opportunities to beat a brutal Panthers passing defense. Back Joey B to carve up Carolina with over 275 passing yards at +142 odds.