New England Patriots vs
Cincinnati BengalsPredictions & Preview

Bengals Favored Over Patriots in Week One Matchup at Paul Brown Stadium

In week one of the NFL season, the Cincinnati Bengals will face off against the New England Patriots at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. EST. The Bengals are eager to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 season, while the Patriots are looking towards Drake Maye as their new quarterback after the Mac Jones experiment fell short. Cincinnati is favored by eight points in this matchup, with the total set at 41 points. The current line has shifted slightly, with Cincinnati now favored by 8.5 points.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Patriots +340 | Bengals -425
• Spread: Patriots +8.5 (-110) | Bengals -8.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 41 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Cincinnati will win straight-up is 81%.

New England vs Cincinnati Stats

New England Patriots

The New England Patriots are undergoing a significant transformation with Bill Belichick stepping down as head coach and Jerod Mayo taking over. There are uncertainties surrounding the team, such as the effectiveness of the offensive line and the pass rush. Although rookie QB Drake Maye was drafted as the future, Jacoby Brissett will start the upcoming game. Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe competed for the starting position, but both have since moved on. On the offensive side, Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to take on a bigger role after a successful season. DeMario Douglas and Hunter Henry were key contributors in receiving yards and touchdowns, respectively. Defensively, Ja'Whaun Bentley, Kyle Dugger, and Christian Barmore were standout performers in tackles and sacks. The defense will need to excel as the offense continues to face challenges. New England is ranked 25th in power rankings, with a struggling offense and a solid defense, entering the season with a record of 0-0.

Cincinnati Bengals Analysis

Cincinnati Bengals are looking to bounce back from a challenging season marked by injuries and inconsistent performances. Despite Joe Burrow being sidelined with an injury, the team came close to making the playoffs last year. Key wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase are seeking contract extensions, adding to the team's financial considerations with Burrow's extension. Backup QB Jake Browning performed well in Burrow's absence and has been extended. Joe Mixon led the ground game but has since left for Houston, leaving Zack Moss to take over. Ja'Marr Chase was the top receiver last season. On defense, Logan Wilson and Trey Hendrickson stood out. Questions remain about the secondary's championship-caliber level. The team is aiming to improve their performance and control the game with a better offense. In terms of rankings and recent matchups, the Bengals are ranked 18th overall, with a strong offense at #16 and a defense ranked 20th. They are currently 0-0 overall, while New England has a 1-2 record in their last three matchups against Cincinnati.

New England Patriots Face Challenges Against Motivated Cincinnati Bengals

Although the New England Patriots showed improvement in covering the spread towards the end of last season, it is unlikely that they will continue this trend in the upcoming game. The Cincinnati Bengals are highly motivated to perform well after a disappointing season last year. The Patriots have faced challenges with their offensive line during the preseason, which could impact their performance in this game. Additionally, the departure of Matthew Judon means that another player will need to step up on the defensive line for the Patriots. It may take some time for the New England team to develop cohesiveness, providing an opportunity for the Bengals to secure a victory with relative ease.

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