Bengals running back Joe Mixon
The Cincinnati Bengals (2-0) shockingly have won their first two games this season. Andy Dalton, A.J. Green and company look to ride the momentum of their hot start when they travel south to Charlotte to take on Cam Newton, Christian McCaffrey and the Carolina Panthers (1-1) as Week 3 action continues on Sunday afternoon.
The game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on CBS in select areas (coverage map here). If the game is on in your market and you don’t have cable or can’t get to a TV, you can still watch a live stream of the game (or DVR it) on your computer, phone or streaming device by signing up for one of the following cable-free, live-TV streaming services:
If you have Amazon Prime or start a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime, you can watch all CBS content (both live and on-demand) via the CBS Amazon Channel, which also comes with a 7-day free trial.
Once you’re signed up for both Amazon Prime and the CBS channel, you can then watch a live stream of the game on your computer via the Amazon website, or you can watch on your tablet or streaming device via the Amazon Video app.
This service is available live in all 32 NFL markets.
In addition to their extensive Netflix-like streaming library, Hulu now also offers a bundle of 50-plus live TV channels, including CBS (live in 29 NFL markets). You can sign up for “Hulu with Live TV” right here, and you can then watch a live stream of the game on your computer via the Hulu website, or on your tablet or streaming device via the Hulu app.
If you can’t watch live, “Hulu with Live TV” also comes with 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage (with the ability to upgrade to “Enhanced Cloud DVR,” which gives you 200 hours of DVR space and the ability to fast forward through commercials).
CBS (live in 28 NFL markets) is included in FuboTV’s main package, which includes 85 total channels and is largely tailored towards sports fans. You can sign up for a free 7-day trial right here, and you can then watch a live stream of the game on your computer via the FuboTV website, or on your tablet or streaming device via the FuboTV app.
If you can’t watch live, FuboTV comes with 30 hours of Cloud DVR (with the ability to upgrade to 500 hours), as well as a handy “72-Hour Lookback” feature, which will allow you to watch the game on-demand up to three days after it airs even if you forgot to record it.
Watch on Your Phone: NFL Mobile
Streaming of in-market and prime-time games can be watched on phones via the NFL Mobile app.
If the Game is Out of Your Market
SundayTicket.TV allows you to watch a live stream of games that are out of your market and aren’t nationally televised. The service is available for people who live in residences that can’t get satellite (apartments, condos, etc.), as well as residents of San Francisco, Philadelphia and New York City. You can check here to see if you’re eligible.
Additionally, most college students may watch out-of-market games via SundayTicket U.
Once signed up, you can watch games on your computer via the NFL Sunday Ticket website, or you can watch on your phone, tablet or other streaming device via the NFL Sunday Ticket app, which is free to download on many different devices.
Watch On-Demand: NFL Game Pass
If you’re fine watching games on-demand, another option is NFL Game Pass Domestic, which allows you to watch replays of every NFL game for a fee of $99.99 for the season. No live games are available under this service, but you’ll be able to watch them following the conclusion of games for the day.
Once signed up, you can watch games on-demand on your computer via the NFL Game Pass website, or on your tablet or streaming device via the NFL Mobile app, which can be downloaded for free on a handful of different devices.
If You’re Outside the United States & Mexico
If you’re not in the United States, surrounding territories, or Mexico, you can watch NFL games live via NFL Game Pass International. The cost of the package depends on which country you’re in.
Once signed up, you can watch games on your computer via the NFL Game Pass website, or on your phone, tablet or streaming device via the NFL Mobile app, which can be downloaded for free on a handful of different devices.
Preview
The last time the Bengals started 3-0 was 2015. I’m willing to wager no team has ever won their first three games by identical scores of 34-23, either, which is what the Bengals can do in a crazy, bizarre scenario.
Cincinnati will likely need to make do with Giovani Bernard in the backfield, though, as starter Joe Mixon will miss 2-4 weeks with a knee injury. Mixon was yo-yoed on and off the field, but remained in the game during Week 1 and Week 2. After further testing, it was determined Mixon would need a knee scope.
The Bengals will also likely be without defensive end Michael Johnson, who is nursing a knee injury and practiced in limited capacity during the week. Johnson is a key clog in the Bengals’ front seven, which with Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap healthy, is one of the league’s most underrated units.
In order for the Panthers defense to succeed, they have to stop wide Bengals receiver A.J. Green, who torched the Ravens for three touchdown catches in Week 2.
Cam Newton must also find other safety valves to throw to. The volume McCaffrey has received in comparison to other outside receivers, no matter how good he is in space, is not a recipe for success moving forward. McCaffrey caught 14 passes for 102 yards in last week’s 31-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.
After finally getting involved in the offense last week, rookie wide receiver D.J. Moore, who hauled in a 51-yard touchdown catch — his lone reception — needs to do more to help out 2018 breakout candidate Devin Funchess.