In Week 6, the Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots meet in what figures to be one of the more impactful matchups of the season for both teams.
Sitting at 2-3, and in third place in the current AFC North standings, the Bengals desperately need a win. There would be no greater boost to this football team than taking down the New England Patriots this week in Foxborough. Especially with Tom Brady making his debut at home this season.
Cincinnati is yet to beat an opponent of high caliber this year. In their three losses, the Bengals have been outscored by their opponents 81-47. It’s been the defense that has had its struggles in the early going so far. Last year, the Bengals had a front seven that was in the top seven against the run. This year, they’re giving up chunk plays on the ground and according to Sporting Charts, Cincinnati has already given up 16 runs of 10 yards or greater.
Last week in Dallas, running back Ezekiel Elliott tallied 134 yards on the ground. A large part of this was the success the Cowboys offensive line had bulldozing their way through the Bengals front four. New England’s offensive line isn’t nearly as impressive, but they won’t have to rely on the run to Beat the Bengals either.
Cincinnati has played some good teams already this season, and the trend continues against New England. Brady lit it up against the Browns last week, so what can the Bengals do to make sure it doesn’t happen to them?
Brady is going to stand strong in the pocket — that’s just what he does as a quarterback. He finds tight windows to squeeze the ball through and excels at it.
The Bengals won’t be able to stop plays like where Brady will be Brady. Even with pressure looming and a big hit coming, Brady can still get the ball out in time and on the money. It’s plays like this that the Bengals defense must avoid to keep this game within reach. And also to keep their defense off the field.
Odds
Line: NE (-8.5)
Over/Under: 47
Asking New England to cover as 8.5 favorites may seem a bit too much. Cincinnati did just take a beating last week in Dallas and will be doing all they can to rebound in New England. The Bengals should cover here but will fall short on the scoreboard.
Prediction: New England 27-21 Cincinnati