Cincinnati Bengals vs. New England Patriots
The New England Patriots will try to right the ship as they face the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday night at Gillette Stadium. New England was absolutely embarrassed by the Kansas Chiefs in Week 4 and could really use a win versus a tough Bengals team to turnaround its season. On the other hand, Cincy will look to push its record to 4-0.
Details for Sunday’s game are below:
Date: Oct. 5, 2014
Start Time: 8:30 PM ET
Location: Foxboro, Massachusetts
Stadium: Gillette Stadium
TV Info: NBC
Live Stream: NBC Live Sports Extra
Radio:For Patriots, click here. For Bengals, click here.
Ticket information: For Patriots ticket info, click here. For Bengals ticket info, click here.
Keys to Victory
The Bengals enter this one needing to take advantage of a Patriots rush defense that’s struggled this year (23rd in rushing yards allowed per game). Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill have been great for Cincy on the ground this season and the Bengals need to put the ball in their hands often on Sunday. Quarterback Andy Dalton simply needs to manage this one and rely on A.J. Green for gains through the air.
New England desperately needs to get its passing game back on track. Tom Brady and Co. have been a disaster this season, ranking 30th in passing yards per game. If the Patriots have any shot of taking this one, Brady can’t look like the guy that was overwhelmed by the Chiefs’ pass rush in Week 4. New England also has to prevent Bernard and Hill from gashing them.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Bengals (-1.5)
Moneyline: NE: 110, CIN: -130
O/U: 46
Prediction
Though at home, it’s just hard to trust the Patriots right now. On top of that, the Bengals have looked outstanding this season and possess the league’s best point differential (+47). Bernard, Green and the Bengals’ stout defense will be too much for Bill Belichick’s squad to handle.
Final Score: Bengals: 24 Patriots: 17