Bengals / Patriots Preview – Can Cincy Stay Hot?

Bengals / Patriots Preview – Can Cincy Stay Hot?

by Thomas Quaynor – NFL analyst for Wannamakeabet.com

 The red-hot Cincinnati Bengals (10-4) head to Foxboro to face the New England Patriots (7-7) on Christmas eve, Cincinnati is a 3.5-point favorite, the total is 41.5. The Bengals are coming off a 34-23 win at Tampa Bay last week, which was their sixth straight win and 8th win in their last 9 games.

New England is coming off an inexplicable 30-24 loss at Las Vegas where they lost on a walk-off defensive touchdown! With the game tied at 24 in the final seconds, the Patriots attempted to lateral the ball for a touchdown, their final lateral attempt was intercepted by Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones, who returned it 48 yards for the win. It was perhaps the most improbable finish to an NFL game ever.

 The Cincinnati Bengals shocked the world last season when they knocked off the heavily favored Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead to advance to the Super Bowl. After getting off to a slow start this year (0-2 and then 2-3) they appeared to be the victim of the “Super Bowl Hangover” where the team who loses the Super Bowl struggles the next season.

The Bengals have now won 8 of 9 and are considered one of the favorites to win the AFC. What’s most impressive about the 8-1 stretch is that they’ve won a number of these games without two of their offensive stars in wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and running back Joe Mixon. Joe Burrow’s 31 touchdown passes is second in the NFL. Standout defensive end Trey Hendrickson (6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles) missed the last game against the Buccaneers due to a wrist injury and is questionable for this game.

 The New England Patriots must find a way to regroup after that demoralizing loss to the Raiders, they’ve now lost 2 of 3 and are on the outside looking in when it comes to making the playoffs. The inconsistent play of quarterback Mac Jones (7tds to 8ints), who the Patriots drafted 15th overall in the first-round last year, may be a reason for the 7-7 record.

Second year running back Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for 172 yards on 19 carries last week at Las Vegas, he’s been a pleasant surprise for the Patriots this season (914 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns) and probably their best player on offense. The Patriots have one of the better defenses in the NFL led by star linebacker Matthew Judon, who is second in the NFL with 14.5 sacks, veteran safety Devin McCourty and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr.

 The Pick

 I’ve got to go with the hot team here and lay the points…Bengals 27, Patriots 20