Final Carolina Panthers game-by-game predictions for the 2022 season
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers at Cincinnati Bengals
After their Cinderella run to the AFC Championship and a Super Bowl appearance in 2021, the Cincinnati Bengals won’t be a surprise that teams don’t see coming this time around. Something quarterback Joe Burrow and what looks like a deep roster has to be ready for.
This will be a tough ask for the Carolina Panthers. The Bengals made some vast improvements to their offensive line this offseason and kept most of their top guys around for another strong postseason push, so it’s going to take a significant effort on the road to keep this close.
Cincinnati’s balance is something that set them apart. Their running game is strong, they boast three dynamic wide receivers, one of the league’s best young quarterbacks, and also have a defense that can make things happen at all three levels.
The Panthers will be heavy underdogs for this game, one suspects. But much like the situation when they visit the Los Angeles Rams, it’s something they can use to their benefit.
Prediction: Loss (5-4)
Baker Mayfield is no stranger to the Bengals having spent four years in the AFC North. Whether this familiarity is enough for Carolina to pull off an upset remains to be seen.