Experts share their picks for the Patriots Week 12 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Mike Reiss, ESPN:
Pick: Patriots 30, Bengals 24
Joe Burrow's possible return, and the Bengals' leaky defense, could make this a high-scoring game.
Stephania Bell, ESPN: Patriots
Matt Bowen, ESPN: Patriots
Mike Clay, ESPN: Patriots
Chris Fowler, ESPN: Patriots
Dan Graziano, ESPN: Patriots
Kalyn Kahler, ESPN: Patriots
Pamela Maldonado, ESPN: Bengals
Eric Moody, ESPN: Patriots
Jason Reid, ESPN: Patriots
Lindsey Thiry, ESPN: Patriots
Seth Wickersham, ESPN: Patriots
NFL.com
Ali Bhanpuri, NFL.com: Patriots 30, Bengals 23
Brooke Cersosimo, NFL.com: Patriots 33, Bengals 21
Dan Parr, NFL.com: Patriots 30, Bengals 22
Gennaro Filice, NFL.com: Patriots 32, Bengals 23
Tom Blair, NFL.com: Patriots 31, Bengals 21
Why Brooke picked the Patriots: The Bengals enter this game behind the 8-ball. Their last-ranked defense continues to take blows, with CB Cam Taylor-Britt likely to have season-ending Lisfranc surgery. Joe Flacco is coming off his worst game as the team's starter, while Ja'Marr Chase must now serve a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct. On the plus side, history tells us that we could get a big day from Tee Higgins, who averages just over eight targets, six catches and 100 receiving yards with three total TDs in five career games without Chase. And hey, Joe Burrow was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, meaning he could theoretically return to action on Sunday. Whether it's Burrow or Flacco under center this week, the Bengals are going to have to dig deep offensively, facing the NFL's No. 1 run defense, No. 5 scoring defense and No. 8 total defense. Plus, Drake Maye, TreVeyon Henderson and Stefon Diggs are cooking, and Rhamondre Stevenson and Kayshon Boutte are back at practice. Josh McDaniels' top-10 unit looks poised to keep the momentum going against a defense that has allowed 33.4 points and 418.2 yards per game this season (both last in the NFL). These are two teams on opposite ends of the spectrum right now -- on the field and in terms of vibes.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports:
Pick: Patriots 35, Bengals 30
The Patriots are riding high, while the Bengals are going in the opposite direction. The Bengals will be without suspended receiver Ja'Marr Chase in this one, which will challenge them even more. The Patriots will be rested having played last Thursday, which is is an advantage. They will keep it rolling behind Drake Maye as they win a shootout.
Cody Benjamin, CBS Sports: Patriots
Jared Dubin, CBS Sports: Bengals
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: Patriots
John Breech, CBS Sports: Bengals
Tyler Sullivan, CBS Sports: Patriots
Dave Richard, CBS Sports: Patriots
Jamey Eisenburg, CBS Sports: Bengals
Pro Football Talk
Mike Florio: Patriots 34, Bengals 30
Chris Simms: Patriots 37, Bengals 21
Paul Perillo, Patriots.com:
Pick: Patriots 38, Bengals 24
Joe Burrow's potential return adds intrigue but he can't help Bengals sagging defense.
Mike Dussault, Patriots.com:
Pick: Patriots 34, Bengals 17
Burrow might play but I don't think it will be enough to match what Josh McDaniels and Drake Maye will have in store for the Bengals defense.
Evan Lazar, Patriots.com:
Pick: Patriots 31, Bengals 28
Admittedly, Joe Burrow likely being back for the Bengals is making me nervous for the Patriots. All great winning streaks must come to an end eventually, right? However, I'll ride the hot hand still because Burrow's movement might be limited by his toe injury, and Drake Maye should have his way with the Bengals defense. I'm expecting a classic mini shootout between Burrow and Maye on Sunday.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
