On Sunday, September 29, 2024, the Carolina Panthers and the Cincinnati Bengals will face off in a highly anticipated Week 4 NFL matchup. Both teams come into the game with something to prove as they look to solidify their standings in their respective divisions. The game kicks off at 1:00 PM ET and will be broadcast live on TV, along with several streaming options, including FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and more.
This matchup will see two teams with very different recent histories. The Cincinnati Bengals, led by superstar quarterback Joe Burrow, are among the top Super Bowl contenders in the AFC. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers, who are still in a rebuilding phase after selecting quarterback Bryce Young with the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, are hoping to make strides towards becoming a contender in the NFC.
In this comprehensive preview, we will take a deep dive into everything you need to know about the game, including how to watch, team previews, key players, game predictions, and more.
How to Watch Panthers vs. Bengals
Fans will have multiple ways to catch this exciting matchup. Whether you’re watching on television or streaming online, here’s how you can tune in:
1. Television Broadcast
The game will be broadcast nationally on CBS. CBS is one of the main networks for NFL games, and the Panthers vs. Bengals matchup will feature their top-tier production quality and commentary. Check your local listings for the CBS channel in your area to ensure you catch the game live.
2. Streaming Options
For those who prefer to stream the game online or don’t have access to traditional cable, there are several excellent streaming options that will carry the game live:
- FuboTV: FuboTV is a top choice for live sports streaming. It includes CBS, giving you access to this game and many other NFL matchups. New users can take advantage of a free trial, and the platform offers DVR capabilities so you can record the game to watch later.
- Hulu + Live TV: Hulu’s Live TV service includes CBS in its lineup, making it another great option for streaming the game. Hulu + Live TV also offers access to Hulu’s extensive on-demand library, so you can watch other shows or movies after the game.
- Paramount+: As CBS’s streaming platform, Paramount+ will also stream the Panthers vs. Bengals game live. With both free and premium subscription options, this platform is great for fans who want access to CBS content.
- YouTube TV: YouTube TV is another streaming service that carries CBS, giving viewers an easy way to watch the game live. YouTube TV offers unlimited DVR storage, allowing you to save and rewatch the game anytime.
- NFL Game Pass: For international viewers, NFL Game Pass offers live streaming of all NFL games, including Panthers vs. Bengals. The service provides access to replays, condensed games, and coaches’ film, which gives a unique, in-depth look at the game.
Game Preview: Carolina Panthers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Panthers and Bengals both come into the 2024 season with contrasting goals. The Bengals are entering the season with Super Bowl aspirations, while the Panthers, led by second-year quarterback Bryce Young, are still in the process of building a sustainable winning culture. This game will serve as a test for both teams, as Cincinnati looks to prove its dominance, while Carolina is hoping to show signs of growth and progress.
Carolina Panthers Overview
The Panthers are in the midst of a rebuild under head coach Frank Reich, who was hired before the 2023 season. After years of instability at the quarterback position, the Panthers took a significant step forward by drafting Bryce Young with the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Young, a Heisman Trophy winner and one of the most promising quarterback prospects in years, is the centerpiece of Carolina’s long-term plans.
While Bryce Young experienced the typical rookie growing pains in 2023, he showed flashes of brilliance, and the Panthers are optimistic that he can take a major leap in his sophomore season. The Panthers’ offense is still a work in progress, but they’ve made key additions to support their young quarterback, including the signing of wide receiver D.J. Chark and bolstering their offensive line.
On the defensive side of the ball, Carolina is led by Brian Burns, one of the league’s premier edge rushers, and a solid core of young defenders that includes linebacker Shaq Thompson and cornerback Jaycee Horn. The Panthers’ defense has the potential to be one of the better units in the league if their young players continue to develop.
Key Players for the Panthers:
- Bryce Young (QB): Young is the face of the franchise and the player who will ultimately determine the success of Carolina’s rebuild. His ability to make quick decisions and his accuracy in the short-to-intermediate passing game are his strengths, but he will need to improve his downfield passing and handle pressure better against a strong Bengals defense.
- Miles Sanders (RB): The Panthers brought in Sanders during the 2023 offseason to add stability to their running game. Sanders is a versatile back who can make plays both on the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield. His ability to take some pressure off Bryce Young will be crucial in this matchup.
- Brian Burns (DE): Burns is the cornerstone of the Panthers’ defense. As one of the league’s best pass rushers, his ability to get after the quarterback and disrupt the Bengals’ offensive rhythm will be vital for Carolina’s chances in this game.
- Jaycee Horn (CB): Horn is one of the top young cornerbacks in the NFL. He will likely be tasked with covering Ja’Marr Chase, one of the league’s most dangerous wide receivers. How well Horn can limit Chase’s impact will be one of the key matchups to watch.
Cincinnati Bengals Overview
The Bengals are coming off back-to-back playoff appearances and are considered one of the top contenders in the AFC. Led by head coach Zac Taylor and quarterback Joe Burrow, the Bengals have one of the most explosive offenses in the league. Burrow, who took the Bengals to the Super Bowl in 2021, has solidified himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL.
Cincinnati’s offense revolves around Burrow and a trio of elite pass-catchers: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. This receiving corps is arguably the best in the NFL, and when combined with Burrow’s pinpoint accuracy and decision-making, the Bengals’ passing attack is nearly unstoppable.
On defense, the Bengals boast a solid unit led by defensive end Trey Hendrickson and safety Jessie Bates III. Cincinnati’s defense may not get as much attention as the offense, but it’s a tough, opportunistic unit capable of making game-changing plays.
Key Players for the Bengals:
- Joe Burrow (QB): Burrow is the heartbeat of the Bengals’ offense. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver accurate passes under pressure makes him one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Against the Panthers, Burrow will look to exploit any weaknesses in Carolina’s secondary.
- Ja’Marr Chase (WR): Chase is a game-breaking talent who can take over a game with his speed, route-running, and ability to make contested catches. His matchup against Jaycee Horn will be one of the most anticipated battles of the game.
- Tee Higgins (WR): As a complement to Chase, Higgins is a physical receiver who can dominate in one-on-one situations. His size and catch radius make him a difficult cover for any cornerback, and the Panthers will have to account for him, especially in the red zone.
- Trey Hendrickson (DE): Hendrickson is one of the league’s premier pass rushers and a key cog in Cincinnati’s defense. His ability to pressure Bryce Young and disrupt the Panthers’ passing game will be critical for the Bengals’ defense.
Key Matchups to Watch
Several intriguing matchups will define the outcome of this game. Here’s a look at some of the most important battles on both sides of the ball.
1. Bryce Young vs. Bengals Defense
Bryce Young will face one of his toughest challenges of the season against a Bengals defense that is known for pressuring quarterbacks and forcing turnovers. Cincinnati’s defensive line, led by Trey Hendrickson, will look to make life difficult for Young, while their secondary, led by Jessie Bates, will aim to confuse the young quarterback with different coverages. For Young to have success, he will need to make quick, accurate decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
2. Joe Burrow vs. Panthers Secondary
Joe Burrow’s matchup against the Panthers’ secondary will be one of the game’s defining storylines. The Panthers have a talented cornerback in Jaycee Horn, who will likely be tasked with covering Ja’Marr Chase. However, with the Bengals boasting multiple weapons in the passing game, Burrow will have plenty of options to exploit any weaknesses in Carolina’s defense.
3. Brian Burns vs. Bengals Offensive Line
Brian Burns is one of the top edge rushers in the NFL, and his ability to pressure Joe Burrow will be key to the Panthers’ defensive game plan. The Bengals’ offensive line, which has improved in recent seasons, will need to neutralize Burns and give Burrow time to find his receivers downfield. The offensive tackle matchup will be particularly important, as Cincinnati will need strong performances from Orlando Brown Jr. and Jonah Williams to keep Burns at bay. If Burns can consistently generate pressure, it could force Burrow into making quick throws, potentially limiting the Bengals’ high-powered offense.
4. Ja’Marr Chase vs. Jaycee Horn
This matchup pits one of the NFL’s best wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase, against one of the league’s emerging stars at cornerback, Jaycee Horn. Chase is a dynamic playmaker who can stretch the field and turn short passes into long gains with his speed and elusiveness. Meanwhile, Horn is known for his physical play and ability to stick with receivers in man coverage. This one-on-one battle will be crucial, as the Panthers will need Horn to contain Chase if they hope to slow down the Bengals’ passing attack. If Chase can break free and make big plays, it could be a long day for Carolina’s defense.
5. Panthers Running Game vs. Bengals Defensive Front
The Panthers will rely heavily on their ground game to take pressure off Bryce Young and control the tempo of the game. Miles Sanders is the focal point of Carolina’s rushing attack, and the offensive line will need to open up lanes against a stout Bengals defensive front led by D.J. Reader and Logan Wilson. If the Panthers can establish the run early, it will keep the Bengals’ pass rushers at bay and allow Young to operate more comfortably in play-action scenarios. On the other hand, if Cincinnati can shut down the running game, they’ll be able to focus on pressuring Young and forcing him into mistakes.
6. Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd vs. Panthers Secondary
While much of the focus will be on the matchup between Ja’Marr Chase and Jaycee Horn, the Bengals’ depth at wide receiver means that Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd will also play significant roles in the game. Higgins, with his size and ability to win contested catches, is a matchup nightmare for most cornerbacks. Boyd, operating primarily out of the slot, is a reliable target who excels at moving the chains on third down. The Panthers’ secondary will need to be on high alert, as Burrow has a plethora of options in the passing game. If Carolina’s secondary struggles to cover Higgins and Boyd, it could open the floodgates for Cincinnati’s offense.
Odds and Predictions
Heading into the game, the Bengals are expected to be significant favorites, largely due to their status as one of the top teams in the AFC and the presence of Joe Burrow at quarterback. The Panthers, while improved, are still seen as a team in transition, and this matchup will serve as a measuring stick for how far they’ve come in their rebuilding process.
Current Odds:
- Cincinnati Bengals: -7.5 (favorites)
- Carolina Panthers: +7.5 (underdogs)
- Over/Under: 47.5 points
The spread reflects the general belief that the Bengals are the superior team, particularly on offense. The over/under suggests that this could be a relatively high-scoring game, especially if the Bengals’ offense gets rolling. The Panthers will need to play nearly mistake-free football and rely on their defense to keep the game close if they hope to pull off the upset.
Prediction:
- Final Score Prediction: Bengals 31, Panthers 20
The Bengals’ offense, led by Joe Burrow and a trio of elite receivers, will likely prove too much for the Panthers’ defense to handle over the course of 60 minutes. While Bryce Young and the Panthers’ offense should be able to move the ball at times, they may struggle to keep pace with the Bengals’ high-powered attack. Ultimately, the experience and firepower of Cincinnati will lead them to a comfortable victory at home.
Key Storylines to Watch
Beyond the X’s and O’s, there are several intriguing storylines surrounding this game that fans should keep an eye on.
1. Bryce Young’s Development
The 2024 season is a pivotal year for Bryce Young as he looks to establish himself as the Panthers’ long-term answer at quarterback. Young showed promise as a rookie, but consistency remains a question. Games like this, against a legitimate Super Bowl contender in the Bengals, will provide a valuable measuring stick for Young’s progress. How he handles the pressure of playing in a hostile environment against a tough defense will be a key factor in the outcome of this game and his overall development.
2. Joe Burrow’s MVP Campaign
Joe Burrow enters the 2024 season as one of the leading contenders for NFL MVP. After leading the Bengals to deep playoff runs in previous seasons, Burrow is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Every game, including this one, will be scrutinized as part of his MVP campaign. A dominant performance against the Panthers would further solidify his case, while a subpar showing could open the door for other contenders.
3. The Panthers’ Rebuilding Process
The Panthers are a team on the rise, but how far they’ve come in their rebuilding process will be put to the test in this game. Head coach Frank Reich has been tasked with building a winning culture in Carolina, and games like this—against one of the NFL’s elite teams—will show how competitive the Panthers can be in 2024. Even if they don’t come away with a win, a strong showing could indicate that the team is headed in the right direction.
4. Injuries and Depth Concerns
As with any NFL game, injuries will play a role in the outcome. Both teams will need to monitor the health of key players leading up to the game, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines. Depth will also be a factor, as the Bengals boast one of the deeper rosters in the league, while the Panthers are still building depth at several key positions. If either team suffers significant injuries during the game, it could swing the momentum one way or the other.
5. NFC vs. AFC Matchup
Interconference games always carry a bit of extra intrigue, as teams from different conferences don’t meet as often. The Bengals, as one of the AFC’s top teams, will be looking to assert their dominance against an NFC opponent.
