*Sigh*
Perhaps we should just get right into this, folks.
Let’s revisit our Week 9 predictions for what was an ugly matchup between the Carolina Panthers and the Cincinnati Bengals.
1
PJ Walker throws for over 198 yards: Incorrect
Prop: O/U 198.5 passing yards for Walker
Cincinnati still boasts a pretty decent pass defense, as they’ve allowed 210.4 yards per game (15th in the NFL). Plus, they’ve allowed a 200-yard passer just once over their last four outings.
But with cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie and Tre Flowers banged up and Walker coming off a career-high 317 yards in Week 8, perhaps the Panthers will be primed to air it out a bit.
Result: Nine. He threw for nine yards before being benched at halftime.
2
. . . and at least one touchdown: Incorrect
Prop: O/U 0.5 passing touchdown for Walker
If we’re forecasting at least 199 passing yards, he’s gotta get the end zone at least once, right? We say Walker hits the mark, just as he’s done in his last two starts.
Result: Walker completed just three of his 10 throws—none of which resulted in a touchdown. Oh, and he also threw a pair of interceptions.
3
Joe Burrow passes for over 258 yards: Incorrect
Prop: O/U 258.5 passing yards for Burrow
Similarly to Cincinnati—Carolina has a solid, but nicked-up secondary. They could be without starting corner Donte Jackson and will be on their third different starting strong safety of the campaign.
So expect Burrow, who averages 291.1 passing yards per game, to surpass that number.
Result: Burrow and the Bengals jumped so far ahead so early, that they didn’t need a pass-heavy attack. Mr. Shiesty completed 22 of his 28 tosses for 208 yards.
4
. . . and at least two touchdowns: Incorrect
Prop: O/U 1.5 passing touchdowns for Burrow
Burrow has thrown for multiple scores in six of his eight games this season. He’s also done it in three straight outings.
Make it a fourth.
Result: Burrow finished with two touchdowns, but just one materialized through the air. That came on a 12-yard connection with running back Joe Mixon to give Cincinnati a 28-0 lead at the 3:45 mark of the second quarter.
5
Joe Mixon rushes for under 67 yards: Incorrect
Prop: O/U 67.5 rushing yards for Mixon
Mixon is currently averaging a career-worst 3.3 yards per carry. And although the Panthers run defense can be a bit spotty, they can also prove to be quite stout when they’re on.
So Mixon, for his fourth straight game, fails to hit that 68-yard mark on the ground.
Result: Our bad, Joe. Mixon rushed for 153 yards and four touchdowns on 22 carries.
6
. . . but records over 21 receiving yards: Correct
Prop: O/U 21.5 receiving yards for Mixon
If Mixon can’t get it going on the ground, he’s more than capable through the air. The sixth-year veteran has amassed at least 23 receiving yards in each of his last three games.
Result: Yay, we got one! Mixon recorded 58 receiving yards—his second-highest mark of the campaign.
7
DJ Moore records over 63 receiving yards: Incorrect
Prop: O/U 63.5 receiving yards for Moore
After totaling just 207 receiving yards in his first six games, Moore has collected 221 over his last two. And with the up-and-down Eli Apple likely following him throughout the afternoon, he’ll keep his high output going.
Result: Moore flew back under the radar after a season-high performance in Atlanta. He reeled in just two passes for 24 yards.
8
Tee Higgins records under 76 receiving yards: Correct
Prop: O/U 76.5 receiving yards for Higgins
With Ja’Marr Chase out, Higgins has assumed the role of public enemy No. 1 for opposing pass defenses. And if that’s the case for Carolina, they’ll make sure Jaycee Horn—who has allowed the lowest passer rating amongst all starting corners (27.7)—is on the call.
Result: Higgins amassed a game-high 60 receiving yards.
9
Tyler Boyd records over 61 receiving yards: Incorrect
Prop: O/U 61.5 receiving yards for Boyd
The Panthers are a tad prone to the big play, as they allowed six gains of at least 25 yards to the Atlanta Falcons last week. Boyd, who is no stranger to said play, could very well make one (or two) in Week 9.
Result: Boyd caught five passes for 44 yards.
10
Panthers lose (and cover): Incorrect
Spread: Panthers +7
Interim head coach Steve Wilks has his Panthers competing. Plus, with Cincinnati’s offense in a rough spot between Chase’s absence and their porous offensive line, Carolina could make some noise in this one.
Result: Panthers lost 42-21.
