New England Patriots @ Cincinnati Bengals Preview and Prediction

When and where

The Pats are away at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The game kicks off at 1pm EST and you can watch it live on CBS/WBZ  and listen on 98.5 FM The Sports Hub radio

Previous meeting and all-time record

Pats lead the series 18-10. The last time out was a shock Pats win on opening day last season.

Who/what to look out for

A victory over Cincinnati would give the Patriots their 10th win of the season and tie them with Pittsburgh for the second-most 10-win seasons (28) since 1970; only Dallas has more (29).
Mike Vrabel would earn his third 10-win season as a head coach with a win.
The Patriots would improve to 6-0 on the road for the sixth time in franchise history.
Vrabel could become the fifth NFL head coach to win his first six road games with a team, and the first since Jim Caldwell in 2009.
A win would extend the Patriots’ winning streak to nine games, matching long streaks from 2003, 2007, and 2015.
The 2025 Patriots defense leads the NFL in run defense (84.7 rushing yards allowed per game), on pace to break the franchise record set in 2016.
The team has had a 100-yard receiver in three straight games; another this week would be the first four-game streak since 2018.
The Patriots have returned both a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown this season; another return TD would match the 2010 season’s multiple return scores.
Three players (Schooler, Gibbens, Elliss) have double-digit special teams tackles; one more (Mapu) is close, which would mark the 15th time since 1994 with four such players.
With a win, Vrabel could become the fifth head coach since 1970 to post a nine-game winning streak in his first season with a team.

Predictions and favourites

This game hinged on Burrow's availability. With him out, I can't see the Patriots losing. Not to mention Ja'Marr Chase being suspended. Cinci's two best players missing. The Pats continue their winning streak and move to 10-2. Pats win 28-17. Go Pats!