2011 NFL Predictions: Andy Dalton-Cam Newton Matchup Excites Preseason Bettors

The 2011 NFL preseason moves into Week 3, and the matchup that has captured the imagination of Las Vegas is the Carolina Panthers (1-1) and Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) at Paul Brown Stadium Thursday night. 

Carolina head coach Ron Rivera has already showed his hand in who will lead his team during the regular season by naming Cam Newton the starter in this contest.  The top pick from this year's NFL draft is expected to play three quarters of action. Professional handicappers don't have enough information to make a confident play on Newton at this stage of his NFL career, but they will certainly respect his 2-0 against-the-spread mark as an underdog while at Auburn.

Many will dispute the idea of comparing collegiate results versus the professional ranks, but the Tigers scored straight-up underdog victories over Alabama (28-27) and Oregon (22-19) en route to winning the national title.

The biggest factor in wagering on this contest may come in the fourth quarter when Panthers backup quarterback Jimmy Clausen expects to take over.  He will be looking to impress Rivera, and is the most experienced option to start the preseason finale at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, Sept. 1. 

Cincinnati has been one of the worst-performing teams in the opening two weeks by dropping  consecutive road games to the Detroit Lions (34-3) and New York Jets (27-7).  The Bengals' biggest problem has been turnovers—coming into Week 3 with a minus-six turnover margin.

Bengals rookie quarterback Andy Dalton has thrown three interceptions in 34 attempts during exhibition action and will be under center when this game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. (EST).

The 23-year-old out of Katy, Texas has already lost more times in the preseason than he did during his last two years at Texas Christian University—posting a 25-1 record during his junior and senior seasons.

Early betting has favored the Panthers, but bettors should be cautious due to the line moving the other way.  The Bengals are certainly not going to impress anyone with their 13-23 ATS mark as preseason favorites.

My recommendation is watching this battle of rookie quarterbacks from the sidelines.