New England Patriots: Eye on the Competition: the AFC Contenders in Week 14

CINCINNATI BENGALS:

Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

For the Bengals, it was a bad break as Andy Dalton not only threw a red zone interception on their 33-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers but he broke his thumb on his throwing hand making the tackle. Cincinnati is now having to go with untested second year quarterback A.J. McCarron for at least the rest of the regular season.

As far a s Dalton’s return, NFL.com is reporting he will not need surgery, but he still may not be ready to go in the playoffs. Much like Julian Edelman and his broken foot, it is just a matter of when the bone heals and there is not much that can be done to speed up the process.

Cyrus Geller: Takeaways from win over Texans

The Bengals have been one of the healthiest teams in the NFL in 2015, a big part of their success owing to the fact that they have had few significant injuries. Cincinnati still has a two game lead with three games to play over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but their schedule includes a trip to Denver sandwiched between games they should win against San Francisco (4-9) and Baltimore (4-9).

HOW IT IMPACTS THE PATRIOTS:

For the Patriots, the loss by Cincinnati gives them a leg up for the number one seed in the AFC as the Bengals and Broncos had leapfrogged the Patriots after New England inexplicably lost to the Philadelphia Eagles last week. The loss of Dalton is the worst part for the Bengals, as they could conceivably win out with their strong defense carrying them.

In the playoffs, the Bengals may not have the luxury of playing at home and may have to deal with Andy Dalton having to shake off significant rust (if he is able to return). The Bengals still have a strong defense but their dangerous offense takes a significant step back with McCarron behind center. Sunday’s loss on the scoreboard and on the field just made the Patriots’ path to the Super Bowl much easier.

Next: PITTSBURGH STEELERS: