Cincinnati Bengals vs. Carolina Panthers: Expect a High-Scoring NFL Showdown

2024 NFL Fantasy Football: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Carolina Panthers – A High-Scoring Affair with Betting Opportunities

As the Bengals and Panthers prepare to face off in Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season, fantasy football managers and bettors are looking at this matchup with high expectations. Dubbed the “Andy Dalton Bowl,” this game brings back memories of Dalton’s time with the Bengals, but now he’s on the other side, leading the Panthers. With two struggling defenses and plenty of offensive firepower, this game promises a wealth of fantasy points and intriguing betting angles.

Bengals’ Offense Heating Up: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and More

After a slow start to the season, the Bengals’ offense has started to show signs of life. Last week, Chase exploded with a huge performance, Higgins made a successful return to the lineup, and even tight end Mike Gesicki has found the end zone. As Joe Burrow continues to regain his form, the Bengals’ passing game is expected to fire on all cylinders against a Panthers defense that has struggled to stop anyone.

This matchup has all the makings of a high-scoring affair, and the Bengals’ offensive weapons are must-starts in fantasy this week.

Betting Tip: Take the over on total points. With both defenses struggling, this game could easily turn into a shootout. The Bengals’ defense has been one of the worst in the league, and the Panthers aren’t far behind. The over is a strong bet here, as both teams should put up points in bunches.

Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins: Dynamic Duo

Jamar Chase is coming off a monster game and should be a focal point in the Bengals’ offense once again. He’s a must-start in all formats and is likely to be a top DFS play this week. At $8,000 on DraftKings, Chase offers upside that’s hard to match. He’ll see plenty of targets and could easily have another multi-touchdown game against a weak Panthers secondary.

Higgins, who has been working his way back from injury, is another player to watch. While he didn’t have a huge game last week, he’s a red-zone threat and could be in for a bounce-back performance. Burrow has always trusted Higgins in the end zone, and this week is a prime opportunity for Higgins to find paydirt.

Betting Tip: Bet on Ja’Marr Chase’s touchdown prop. Chase is due for another big game, and with the Bengals likely to rely heavily on their passing attack, he’s a great bet to score at least one touchdown in this contest.

Joe Burrow: A Strong Fantasy Play

Burrow has been inconsistent to start the season, but this Week 4 matchup against the Panthers sets him up for a strong performance. Burrow is priced at $7,200 on DraftKings, which feels like a bargain given the favorable matchup. Carolina’s defense has shown little resistance, especially against elite quarterbacks, and Burrow should have plenty of opportunities to pad his fantasy stats.

If you’re in a SuperFlex or two-quarterback league, Burrow is a no-brainer. Even in standard leagues, he’s a top-10 option this week, with the potential for 300+ passing yards and multiple touchdowns.

Betting Tip: Bet on Joe Burrow to exceed 300 passing yards. The Panthers’ defense has allowed big games to opposing quarterbacks, and Burrow is primed for a breakout performance. Betting on Burrow to surpass 300 passing yards feels like a solid wager.

Panthers’ Offense: Fantasy Sleeper Potential

While the Bengals’ offense is the main draw, the Panthers’ offense has its own fantasy appeal this week. Dalton, the veteran quarterback stepping in for the ineffective Bryce Young, is facing his former team and has plenty of motivation to perform well. Dalton isn’t a top-tier fantasy option, but in deeper leagues or SuperFlex formats, he’s a viable streaming option.

Dalton’s connection with receivers like Diontae Johnson has been solid, and the Panthers will likely have to air it out to keep pace with the Bengals. Dalton could post a serviceable fantasy line, especially if this game turns into the shootout many expect.

Betting Tip: Take the over on Andy Dalton’s passing yards. Dalton has shown he can still sling the ball, and with the Bengals’ defense struggling, he should have opportunities to rack up passing yards. Betting on him to exceed his yardage prop could pay off.

Carolina’s Running Game: Who to Trust?

The Panthers’ backfield has been a bit of a puzzle this season. Miles Sanders has been ineffective, and Chuba Hubbard has stepped in at times to handle a bigger workload. For fantasy purposes, Hubbard could be the better option this week, especially if Sanders isn’t playing well again. Hubbard is likely to see more goal-line work and could have a chance to find the end zone.

If you’re in a pinch at running back, Hubbard could be a sneaky flex option with touchdown upside.

Betting Tip: Bet on Chuba Hubbard to score a touchdown. With the Panthers likely needing to score to keep up with the Bengals, Hubbard has a good chance to see some red-zone opportunities. Betting on him to find the end zone is a smart play if Sanders remains limited.

Conclusion: Points, Points, and More Points

The Week 4 matchup between the Bengals and Panthers is shaping up to be a high-scoring affair, making it an exciting game for fantasy football players and bettors alike. Chase and Higgins are must-starts, while Burrow is poised for a breakout game. On the Panthers’ side, Dalton could be a sneaky SuperFlex option, and Hubbard has some touchdown upside.

From a betting perspective, the over on total points and yardage props for key players like Burrow, Chase, and Dalton are solid bets. Expect both teams to move the ball efficiently and light up the scoreboard in what could be one of the most entertaining games of the week.

You can read all about what’s going on in the National Football League at SportsGrid.com.