New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Five Key Matchups

Sep 21, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver

(18) runs the ball against Tennessee Titans cornerback

(25) in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated Tennessee 33-7. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots will try to get back on the right track this Sunday night, as they welcome the unbeaten Cincinnati Bengals to Gillette Stadium.

There won’t be a lot of national pundits that pick the Pats to win this game, as they are coming off a 41-14 loss to the Chiefs, while the Bengals are well-rested after a bye week. Cincinnati is arguably the best team in the NFL right now, because they are extremely balanced. The Bengals are ranked seventh in the league in total offense, 14th in total defense, first in points allowed, and sixth in points scored.

I am not a fan of Andy Dalton, but through three games, he has played very well. Granted, he is surrounded by a plethora of talent, but I have to give credit where credit is due.

But with all that said, this game won’t be as lopsided as many think, and the winner will be determined by a few key matchups.