The New England Patriots face an uphill battle when making the trek to Ohio for Sunday’s clash with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Both teams are on completely different trajectories heading into this matchup. The Bengals are perceived as a potential Super Bowl contender with a returning Joe Burrow under center at quarterback. Meanwhile, the Patriots are a rebuilding team under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo.
On paper, this game looks like a disaster waiting to happen for a Patriots team that still hasn’t figured out their offensive line issues. They’re already missing starting guard Cole Strange in the matchup, and both guard Sidy Sow and tackle Vederian Lowe are banged up.
The receiving corps is still an issue as well. Rookie Ja’Lynn Polk looks like he could contribute right away, and DeMario Douglas should only get better after breaking out as a rookie.
However, the unit has struggled with consistency throughout training camp. They still lack that No. 1 go-to guy on the outside to challenge opposing defenses.
With that said, the Bengals have their own issues at receiver with Ja’Marr Chase potentially being limited due to his continued contract holdout. Tee Higgins’ status is also in question due to a recent injury.
The Patriots have taken some hits on the defensive side of the ball, but the unit should still be formidable every week. Crazier things have happened in regular season openers, and the Patriots could be live underdogs against the Bengals.
Here’s the full round-up of Patriots Wire staff picks for the Week 1 matchup:
Jordy McElroy (0-0) – Patriots 21, Bengals 24
Danny Jaillet (0-0) – Patriots 17, Bengals 35
Cam Garrity (0-0) – Patriots 14, Bengals 24
Who are you taking in Sunday’s game? Be sure and let us know who you’re picking and why.
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