Carolina Panthers vs Cincinnati Bengals preview, predictions, live stream info, betting odds

Carolina Panthers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The 3-1 Cincinnati Bengals have been the most impressive team in the NFL so far, up until Sunday night when they were embarrassed by struggling New England Patriots team in a blowout 43-17 loss. The 3-2 Carolina Panthers will be traveling to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals in an inter-conference match up. The Bengals will look to extend 12-game home win streak at Paul Brown Stadium while the Panthers will look to win two in a row.

Date: Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Stadium: Paul Brown Stadium
TV Info: FOX
Live Stream: DirecTV Sunday NFL Ticket
Radio: CAROLINA: The Fan 610 AM / CINCINNATI: ESPN 1530 AM
Ticket information: For Carolina Panthers ticket info click here. For Cincinnati Bengals ticket info click here.

Keys to Victory

Carolina lost two straight before getting a key 31-24 win over Chicago last Sunday. They limited the Bears to 347 yards after giving up an average of 454.0 in losses to Pittsburgh and Baltimore and recorded four sacks — one fewer than they had over the previous three contests. Carolina was a strong defense in their first two games, and finally showed glimpses of that again last week against Chicago. Carolina led the NFL with 60 sacks in 2013 but has 11 this year without Greg Hardy. They’re going to need to find a way to get to Andy Dalton and the Bengals offense that adds 6.2 yards per play, the third best in the league. Look for Ron Rivera to take something out of the Patriots defense tactics in last Sunday’s defeat over the Bengals where they allowed just 17 points, forcing three turnovers from the Bengals. The passing game from Cam Newton has been impressive despite his lack of depth at the receiving position. Newton will need to be able to stay strong in the pocket and scramble when necessary. The Patriots didn’t turn the ball over against a tough Bengals defense, Newton will need to be able to play the same way to put up big points on the Bengals.

The Bengals entered with the NFL’s top scoring defense at 11.0 points per game and limited their last two opponents to an average of 317.5 yards. They gave up 505 yards to the Patriots, their most since allowing 554 in a loss at Cleveland on Sept. 16, 2007. Linebacker Vontaze Burfict should be back to help Cincinnati rebound after he missed the last two games with concussions. He had a team-high 114 tackles last season. A.J. Green, the Bengals top offensive weapon at wide receiver is doubtful with a right toe injury. Without Green, the Bengals will rely on a strong defense to keep them in the game. They need to not let Newtown get too comfortable in the pocket, while being able to contain the scramble from the speedy quarterback. If the Bengals can’t force turnovers, they won’t win the game. Burfict will need to re-emerge to the scene and make a big impact. Similar to how the return of Danny Trevathan helped the Denver Broncos defense by leading them in tackles, beating the Arizona Cardinals last week. Andy Dalton will face a tough Carolina defense that has shown weakness this season. Without Green, he’ll rely on Mohamed Sanu who has been a huge target for him this season. This game has everything to do with which defense shows up, and the Bengals need to get the edge using turnovers to their advantage. Newton has only one interception this season, the Bengals will need to find a way to exploit him and young receivers like Kelvin Benjamin.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: CIN -7.0
O/U: 44.0

Prediction

This game has everything to do with defense and momentum will play a role in that. The Panthers allowed just 24 points against a very strong Bears offense and forced four turnovers in doing so. The Bengals are coming off a primetime game where they had a chance to prove themselves that they absolutely collapsed and showed weakness giving up 43 points and forcing no turnovers. They come in as the favorite, but I think Carolina comes in and steals the show forcing more than two turnovers from Andy Dalton and company who will struggle without A.J. Green, who has over 300 yards in four games this season. The Panthers win in a close, defense battle.