Andy Dalton certainly upgrades Carolina. But he's still Andy Dalton, a borderline starting QB who is past his prime. I don't see him coming close to duplicating his success against the Raiders last week against a well-coached Bengals defense. Cincinnati had trouble handling Jayden Daniels' mobility. Dalton is a statue in the pocket.

The Bengals' 0-3 record wouldn't look so bad if the Chiefs hadn't nipped them at the gun on a long field goal.

Cincinnati's offense is showing signs of clicking with Joe Burrow back in star form, Ja'Marr Chase in dominant form and Tee Higgins healthy. Burrow has a 5-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio the past two weeks while throwing for 582 yards.

Carolina has a terrible defense. The Panthers are 3-17 in their last 20 games.

No way can the Bengals fall to 0-4 in the tough AFC North Division. They are in must-win mode.