NFL Week 6 Predictions: Carolina Panthers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Carolina Panthers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday, 10/12/14, 1:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Cincinnati -7
Current Betting Line: Cincinnati -6.5
Opening Total: 43.5
Current Total: 43.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Cincinnati Bengals may be without star WR A.J. Green in Week 6

Carolina snapped a two-game losing streak in picking up a 31-24 victory over the Chicago Bears as 1.5-point home favorites last week, while going OVER the betting total for a third consecutive contest. The Panthers defense stiffened after allowing an average of 454.0 yards per game in setbacks to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, which can’t be ignored when looking over the Week 6 NFL betting lines, as this group has played great football with linebacker Luke Kuechly in charge. Carolina is 3-3 SU and 5-1 ATS as underdogs of 3.5 to 9.5 points the last two-plus seasons, with the OVER going 4-2 in that situation.

The Panthers have really struggled to get after opposing quarterbacks this season without the services of Greg Hardy, as they’ve racked up just 11 sacks after recording an NFL-high 60 a year ago. Carolina quarterback Cam Newton has been struggling with numerous ailments throughout the season, but he’s been successful in finding Greg Olsen in the passing game—connecting six times for 72 yards and two scores last time out.

Cincinnati was absolutely embarrassed by New England coming off its bye, but it lands in a great situational spot considering it has won 11 straight regular season games at Paul Brown Stadium, which is important to consider when making your NFL predictions Sunday afternoon. The Bengals may be playing this game without star wide receiver A.J. Green, who is listed as doubtful due to a right toe injury. Cincinnati is 13-2 SU and 11-3-1 ATS as favorites of 3.5 to 9.5 points the last two-plus seasons, with the OVER going 8-7 in that situation.

The Bengals need to do a better job defending tight ends if they hope to cover this type of number, as the Patriots finished with 11 catches and two touchdowns from that position last week, which could lead to a big night for Olsen. Cincinnati will also look to control the clock in getting back to a power running game, as it gained just 79 yards after averaging 121.7 per contest in capturing its first three games of the campaign.