Experts share their picks for the Patriots Week 15 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Mike Reiss, ESPN:
Pick: Patriots 30, Bengals 10
Bold prediction: The Patriots will hit 30 points for the first time since a 33-0 win over the Jets on Oct. 21 -- a span of six games. If they don't hit the 30-point mark against the Bengals, it would tie the longest streak in the Bill Belichick/Tom Brady era of consecutive sub-30-point games (2002, 2005).
Ben Baby, ESPN
Pick: Patriots 27, Bengals 13
The Bengals have the second-worst scoring offense, while New England has the best scoring defense. However, both teams struggle at the line of scrimmage, which could make things more interesting than expected.
Mike Golic, ESPN: Patriots
Seth Wickersham, ESPN: Patriots
Mina Kimes, ESPN: Patriots
Dan Graziano, ESPN: Patriots
Trey Wingo, ESPN: Patriots
Kevin Seifert, ESPN: Patriots
Matt Bowen, ESPN: Patriots
Mike Clay, ESPN: Patriots
Louis Riddick, ESPN: Patriots
Gregg Rosenthal, NFL.com
Pick: Patriots 24, Bengals 16
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports:
Pick: Patriots 27, Bengals 14
It's on to the Bengals for the Patriots this week, which is a good thing after two straight losses. The Patriots are having offensive issues, but the Bengals should be a tonic to fix that. Look for Tom Brady to get it going here as the Patriots end their losing streak.
Jason La Canfora, CBS Sports: Patriots
Will Brinson, CBS Sports: Patriots
Dave Richard, CBS Sports: Patriots
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: Patriots
John Breech, CBS Sports: Patriots
Jamey Eisenberg, CBS Sports: Patriots
Jared Dubin, CBS Sports: Patriots
Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk:
Pick: Patriots 34, Bengals 13
Michael David Smith, Pro Football Talk:
Pick: Patriots 31, Bengals 10
Jenny Vrentas, MMQB: Patriots
Conor Orr, MMQB: Patriots
Kalyn Kahler, MMQB: Bengals
Andrew Brandt, MMQB: Patriots
Mitch Goldich, MMQB: Patriots
Bette Marston, MMQB: Patriots
Andy Hart, WEEI
Pick: Patriots 27, Bengals 13
Let's get this out of the way, the Patriots losing streak should end on Sunday in Cincy. If it doesn't, holy crap will the sky be falling in Patriot Nation. I don't expect that to be an issue. Really, New England should control the game against a far inferior opponent. I don't care about the tight losses the Bengals have, the Patriots should handle their business. Run the ball. Take care of the ball. Keep the Bengals talented pass rush off balance. Don't give the home crowd reason for life. The Patriots are probably not capable of the kind of blowout wins that might be expected in a matchup like this in the past, but here is no reason New England can't put up a 27-13 controlled victory. It may not mean much in the big picture, but getting back on the winning track is a step in the right direction.
Paul Perillo, Patriots.com:
Pick: Patriots 23, Bengals 13
Defense continues to dominate as offense shows signs of life against struggling Bengals.
Mike Dussault, Patriots.com:
Pick: Patriots 27, Bengals 13
Cincinnati is better than their record may indicate and not much has been easy for the Patriots offense this year, but the Pats defense and special teams should make this a throwback victory reminiscent of earlier in the season. Not an offensive explosion but enough for New England to build off of as they hit the regular season home stretch.
Erik Scalavino, Patriots.com
Pick: Patriots 25, Bengals 13
Even though Cincy's 1-12, the Bengals are no push-overs. QB Andy Dalton has some weapons to rely on offensively, and that will keep things tight for a while. However, New England MUST win this game to keep pace in the crowded race for an AFC playoff bye. The Patriots are at their most dangerous when they're desperate, and this week, the Bengals will experience that.
Megan O'Brien, Patriots.com
Pick: Patriots 27, Bengals 14
Patriots figure out a way to establish the run. Brady does a good job connecting with Harry and Meyers. Harry has a touchdown that is not taken away.
