NFL Odds – Jimmy Clausen Starts Against Bengals

Rather than watch Matt Moore evolve in to the second coming of interception machine, Jake Delhomme, the Carolina Panthers are deploying rookie Jimmy Clausen to protect their NFL odds this weekend where they host the Cincinnati Bengals as home dogs.

If starting Clausen was a remote option this year at all, then the Panthers should’ve pulled the trigger in Week 1. Sending him against the Bengals is like putting the kid on death row.

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The Cincinnati Bengals restored a big chunk of faith in their stock when they held off the Baltimore Ravens and picked off Joe Flacco four times to help secure the win. The Bengals’ defense generated solid turnovers last season, and needs to do the same this year if they have any hope of overcoming the NFL odds in this game, or any other game down the road.

While the defense seems to be returning to normal, the offense looks like a complete mess, which should explain why the NFL odds on this game are so tight. Don’t just look at the passing game, which is misleadingly ranked eighth in the NFL. Carson Palmer and company have converted 11-of-33 third down conversions, which is absolutely inexcusable.

Cincinnati Bengals (1-1) vs. Carolina Panthers (0-2)

Sunday, September 26th — Bank of America Stadium — 1:00pm EST

NFL Betting: Cincinnati -3.0 (33)

I’m willing to give Cincinnati’s offense one more week to prove itself because – let’s face it – they have all the potential in the world. If they’re going to show any gusto then they have to do it in Week 3 against Carolina with cornerback Chris Gamble hurting.

Chad Ochocinco’s fractured rib won’t be permitted as an excuse because overall this team has too many playmakers.

That’s why the Bengals will have to rely heavily on their defense to get the job done on Sunday. Carolina’s running game should be dangerous, but it isn’t nearly as effective when you have a rookie quarterback in the pocket.

Clausen’s ability to defend the NFL odds stacked against Carolina for the rest of the season will be determined on whether the 7-of-15 completions and 59 yards attempts he’s managed this far (with no touchdowns) are a benchmark for him or not.

Clausen deserves the benefit of the doubt, but not against a ball hawking defense like Cincinnati, which currently leads the NFL with 5 interceptions. Nerves, a lacking receiving corps and poor coaching will make Clausen’s debut a painful one.

The Bengals have to turn the corner in this game, and I expect them to do so by winning this game while their defense does what they do best – generate turnovers.

An early lead will force Carolina to rely on Clausen, and then it’s a pick-fest for the Bengals and those siding with their NFL odds.

Furious NFL Odds Buster – Cincinnati -3.0 (UNDER)

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