Heat Check in Cincinnati: Can the Bengals Cool Down the Patriots?
The New England Patriots are heading to Cincinnati to play the Bengals in a matchup of two teams headed in opposite directions. New England is hoping to extend their eight-game win streak, while Cincinnati is desperate to break out of a three-game slump. Historically, the Patriots lead the all-time rivalry series 18-10, but this game could prove critical to the trajectory of the rest of each team’s 2025 campaign. Between key injuries, a QB on fire, and a struggling defense, this clash of two AFC teams will be one to watch.
Patriots Defense Looking to Stop the Bengals Offense
The Bengals have had a mid-level offense this season, especially with the absence of Joe Burrow. They are currently ranked 30th in the ground game but fall only 14th in passing. Last week against the Steelers, quarterback Joe Flacco threw for 199 yards, completing 23 of 40 pass attempts. As for the run game, it was led by Chase Brown with 99 yards over 18 attempts. The rush was a solo effort, though, as three other rushers combined for only six yards to bring the total to 105. Tee Higgins led the receivers with 63 yards and a touchdown, catching three of his eight targets. A key factor in their loss last week was the offense turning the ball over for two defensive touchdowns: one lost fumble from tight end Noah Fant and one interception thrown by Flacco. The Patriots will work to shut down the Bengals’ offense this week. The group is ranked first in rushing defense, but allowed 140 yards to the Jets, 67 of which went to QB Justin Fields. However, they held Fields to only 116 passing yards, pass-catchers to under 50 yards each, and the team to only two red zone trips.
Bengals Defense to Take on MVP Candidate
Heading into Cincinnati, the Patriots' offense is riding the momentum they’ve been building since Week Three. Last week, the team went three for five in the red zone and converted half of their third-down attempts to earn 27 points and a win over the Jets. Running back TreVeyon Henderson scored five touchdowns in his last two games. Last week, he scored two rushing and one receiving touchdown, but only put up a total of 62 yards. The standout receiver was Stefon Diggs, who caught nine of his 11 targets, six for first downs, and totaled 105 yards. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye continues to be discussed in the MVP conversation, as he threw for 281 yards last week and has had a passer rating over 100 in nine of his last 10 games. He will be facing the Bengals, who are ranked last in the league for total defense. The Bengals are allowing an average of 418 yards per game and have given up 41 touchdowns this season. The secondary has had trouble protecting the pass, and the front line has not been stopping the run.
Key Starters Possibly Missing
For the Patriots, who have stayed pretty healthy all season, a few recent injuries have shaken up the roster. Most notably, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, who has been a key contributor to the offensive success, has been missing since Week Nine with a hamstring injury. It is unclear if he will participate this Sunday. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson has also been absent in recent games with a toe injury, and he may miss this one as well, especially with the past few breakout performances from Henderson. Defensive end Milton Williams is on the injured reserve and will be out for at least the next four games. Williams has been a rock for the team, and Sunday’s game will be a test of what his absence looks like for the Patriots' line.
On the other hand, the Bengals’ Joe Burrow has been out with a toe injury, but could return this Sunday, especially with Flacco limited in practice with a shoulder injury. Burrow has been participating in practice, but coach Zac Taylor says he will decide who to start when the time comes. Additionally, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase will not be playing against the Patriots following a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct last week. On the other side of the ball, defensive end Trey Hendrickson is doubtful to play on Sunday with a hip injury.
What’s the Verdict?
If the New England beats Cincinnati this Sunday, it will be the sixth straight road win for the team. That would make Patriots’ head coach Mike Vrabel the first coach since 2009 to win his first six road games with a new team, and only the fifth coach in history to do so. My prediction is that Vrabel and the Patriots do just that. With the depth of the QBs running thin and the worst-ranked defense in the league, I just don’t see the Bengals taking down a team surging behind Drake Maye. The matchup is likely to be a shootout between the offenses, but my prediction is the Patriots will extend their win streak with a 31-17 final score over the Bengals.
