New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/8/2024 1:00 PM EST

We have your New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals prop betting and game preview needs covered as the New England Patriots hit the road to face the Cincinnati Bengals.

New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: New England Patriots +320 (ESPN BET) / Cincinnati Bengals -375 (FanDuel)
Best Spread Odds: -7.5 - New England Patriots -110 (FanDuel) / Cincinnati Bengals -110 (FanDuel)
Best Total Odds: 40.5 - Under -110 (BetMGM) / Over -110 (BetMGM)

Game Info

Date: 9/8/2024
Time: 1:00 PM EST
Location: Paycor Stadium (Cincinnati, OH)
TV: CBS

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

In the past three seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots have faced each other once, with the Bengals emerging victorious. This matchup took place on December 24, 2022, where the Bengals defeated the Patriots 22-18. In this game, the visiting team, Cincinnati, managed to secure the win, while the home team, New England, fell short. The Bengals also covered the spread, as they were favored by a closing spread of 3 points and won by 4 points. The game went under the closing over-under line of 41.5, with a total score of 40 points. This single encounter between the two teams in recent seasons saw the Bengals outperform the Patriots both in terms of the final score and against the spread.

In the detailed breakdown of the December 24, 2022 game, the Bengals showcased a strong offensive performance, accumulating 442 total yards and 28 first downs. Joe Burrow led the Bengals' offense with 375 passing yards, completing 40 of 52 attempts, and throwing three touchdown passes, despite two interceptions. The Bengals' scoring included three touchdown passes from Burrow, two to Trenton Irwin and one to Tee Higgins, along with a field goal by Evan McPherson. On the other hand, the Patriots managed 285 total yards and 15 first downs. Mac Jones completed 21 of 33 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns, with no interceptions. The Patriots' scoring was highlighted by a 69-yard interception return touchdown by Marcus Jones and two fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Mac Jones. Despite a late surge, the Patriots were unable to overcome the Bengals' lead.

Defensively, the Bengals were effective in disrupting the Patriots' offense, recording four sacks and forcing three turnovers. The Patriots' defense also made notable plays, including two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown by Marcus Jones. However, the Bengals' ability to control the game with a higher time of possession, 36.8 minutes compared to the Patriots' 23.2 minutes, contributed significantly to their victory. The Bengals' disciplined play was evident in their third-down conversion rate of 50%, compared to the Patriots' 46.15%. Penalties were a factor for both teams, with the Bengals committing eight penalties for 62 yards and the Patriots committing ten penalties for 82 yards. Overall, the Bengals' balanced offensive and defensive efforts were key to their win over the Patriots in this matchup.

New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals Preview

The New England Patriots are set to embark on a new era as they face the Cincinnati Bengals in their season opener at Paycor Stadium. This matchup presents a stark contrast between two teams at different stages of their development. The Patriots, under the guidance of first-year head coach Jerod Mayo, are in a rebuilding phase, having moved on from the legendary Bill Belichick era. With Jacoby Brissett at the helm, the Patriots are looking to establish a new identity, focusing on a conservative, mistake-free approach that leans heavily on their defense and running game. Despite low expectations, the Patriots hope to surprise with their revamped roster, which includes promising additions like wide receivers Ja'Lynn Polk and K.J. Osborn.

On the other side, the Bengals are poised to reassert themselves as Super Bowl contenders with a healthy Joe Burrow returning to lead the offense. However, the Bengals face uncertainty with their receiving corps, as star wideouts Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are both questionable for the game. Chase's contract negotiations and Higgins' hamstring injury have cast doubt on their availability, potentially leaving Burrow to rely on backup receivers like rookie Jermaine Burton. Despite these challenges, the Bengals are favored to win, thanks to their formidable defense and Burrow's proven ability to perform under pressure.

The Patriots' defense, featuring a strong secondary led by Christian Gonzalez and Jonathan Jones, will be crucial in containing Burrow and the Bengals' offense. The matchup could hinge on the Patriots' ability to disrupt Burrow's rhythm and capitalize on any potential missteps from Cincinnati's depleted receiving unit. Meanwhile, the Bengals' defense will look to exploit the Patriots' offensive line issues and pressure Brissett into mistakes.

As the Patriots aim to pull off an upset, they will need to execute a disciplined game plan, minimizing turnovers and penalties while controlling the clock. The Bengals, on the other hand, will seek to assert their dominance early and capitalize on their home-field advantage. With both teams eager to start the season on a positive note, this game promises to be a compelling clash of contrasting styles and strategies.

New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals Pick: Cincinnati Bengals Moneyline

The Cincinnati Bengals are poised to start their 2024 season with a strong performance against the New England Patriots, and the moneyline pick for the Bengals is well-supported by several factors. First and foremost, the Bengals have the advantage of playing at home in Paycor Stadium, where they have been formidable, especially with Joe Burrow under center. Burrow, who is returning from a wrist injury that cut his 2023 season short, is expected to lead a potent offense, even if star receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are limited or absent due to contract negotiations and injury concerns, respectively. The Bengals' depth at the wide receiver position, including promising rookie Jermaine Burton, provides Burrow with ample targets to exploit the Patriots' defense.

Moreover, the Bengals' defense is expected to capitalize on the Patriots' offensive line issues, which have been a significant concern throughout the offseason. New England's offensive line ranked last in pass block win rate in 2023, and with injuries to key players like Vederian Lowe and Sidy Sow, the Bengals' pass rush, led by Trey Hendrickson, is likely to apply consistent pressure on Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett. This pressure could lead to turnovers and mistakes, further tilting the game in Cincinnati's favor.

While the Patriots boast a strong secondary, the Bengals' balanced offensive attack and Burrow's ability to perform under pressure make them the clear favorites. Additionally, the Patriots are in a transitional phase with a new head coach, Jerod Mayo, and a roster that is still finding its identity post-Bill Belichick. The Bengals, on the other hand, are considered Super Bowl contenders and are expected to assert their dominance early in the season. Given these factors, the Bengals are well-positioned to secure a victory, making the moneyline pick for Cincinnati a sound choice.

New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals Top Player Prop Picks

Jacoby Brissett Over 0.5 Interceptions -123 (Caesars)

Jacoby Brissett, stepping in as the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots, faces a formidable Cincinnati Bengals defense that is poised to capitalize on any mistakes. The Bengals' defensive line, led by Trey Hendrickson, is expected to apply significant pressure on Brissett, especially given the Patriots' offensive line struggles. With Vederian Lowe and Sidy Sow dealing with injuries, Brissett may find himself under duress, increasing the likelihood of forced throws and potential interceptions. The Bengals' secondary, although missing some key players, remains opportunistic, and Brissett's conservative style might not be enough to avoid a turnover against this aggressive unit.

Rhamondre Stevenson Over 2.5 Receptions +115 (DraftKings)

Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to play a crucial role in the Patriots' offensive game plan, particularly in the passing game. With the Patriots likely to face a strong pass rush from the Bengals, Brissett will need to rely on quick, short passes to his running backs to alleviate pressure. Stevenson's ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him a prime candidate to exceed the 2.5 receptions line. Given the Patriots' offensive line issues and the need for Brissett to find reliable outlets, Stevenson should see ample targets, making the over on this prop an attractive option.

Joe Burrow Over 245.5 Passing Yards -113 (FanDuel)

Joe Burrow returns to the field with high expectations, and despite potential absences in his receiving corps, he is poised to have a productive outing against the Patriots. Burrow's ability to adapt and perform under pressure is well-documented, and even without Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, he has a variety of targets, including promising rookie Jermaine Burton. The Patriots' defense, while strong, will be tested by Burrow's quick decision-making and accuracy. With the Bengals favored to win and Burrow eager to make a statement in his return, the over on 245.5 passing yards is a compelling choice, especially given his past performances and the Patriots' potential vulnerabilities in coverage.