Carolina Panthers at Bengals early odds and prediction for Week 9

The Carolina Panthers face a daunting test of their credentials when they travel to the defending AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals in Week 9. 

There is no time for the Carolina Panthers to look back with regret. A heartbreaking loss at the Atlanta Falcons shifted the landscape of their 2022 fortunes from NFC South leader to basement dweller with a high chance of gaining a top-three selection in the draft next year.

Sunday’s game is another difficult proposition for the Panthers. Even though the Cincinnati Bengals aren’t building on their memorable run to the Super Bowl this time around, they have talent across the board and in Joe Burrow, possess one of the league’s brightest young signal-callers for good measure.

Carolina looks like a completely different football team under Steve Wilks. Fun to watch, energized, and better managed despite trading Robbie Anderson and Christian McCaffrey way before the 2022 deadline.

Last weekend’s result was a morale-sapping one. But the onus is now on Wilks and his staff to ensure the positives come to the forefront and the Panthers put on another encouraging performance to keep everyone believing.

It’ll be interesting to see how things play out. And if the Panthers did manage to pull off a significant upset, then all hope for 2022 might not be lost after all.

Carolina Panthers at Bengals odds for Week 9

According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Panthers are 7.5-point underdogs at the Bengals in Week 9. They opened at +8.5 but came in after Cincinnati laid an egg on Monday Night Football against the Cleveland Browns.

Anyone wishing to wager Carolina on the money line can get them at +275 right now (bet $100 to win $275), with the Bengals comfortably favored at -370 (bet $370 to win $100).

FanDuel Sportsbook is expecting a relatively high-scoring affair with the over/under set at 43.5 points. This can be bet at -110 in both directions.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Carolina Panthers at Bengals prediction for Week 9

The Panthers will undoubtedly be reeling from such a gut-wrenching loss in Week 8. However, Wilks’ men cannot wallow in self-pity during another difficult road test.

Things might not be going to plan for the Bengals with increased expectations on their shoulders in 2022. But they remain a significant force when in the mood despite stud wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase currently being on the shelf through injury.

Nobody is expecting Carolina to come away victorious from this one. This could allow a sense of relaxation and freedom to keep their newfound momentum going in a tough environment for football.

Wilks will have his team ready and another week under this professional approach might see performance levels increase. Although predicting anything other than a Bengals win would be foolish, this could be a lot closer than many people anticipate when it’s all said and done.