Week 6 – Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots *CBS 1:00pm EST*
Wrong place. Wrong time.
In 2014, after an embarrassing 41-14 loss to Kansas City on Monday Night Football, most had written off the New England Patriots.
Critics said the “Dynasty is dead”. They even called for Jimmy Garoppolo to take over if Tom Brady had lost another game. Then the undefeated Cincinnati Bengals rolled into Foxboro the next week to only get steamrolled out by an angry and motivated Patriots team on Sunday Night Football.
It looks as if the same may happen in Week 6.
Brady will be leading the Patriots at home for the first time since last season. That atmosphere will be electric as fans will be chanting for their star QB to rip the Bengals apart.
However, don’t expect the Bengals to bow down and just hand the game over.
The Bengals have a talented defense, and let’s not forget a strong receiving core that consists of A.J Green, former Patriots wide out Brandon LaFell, and breakout TE Tyler Eifert (who may not be at 100% when he returns from an ankle injury). Bengals QB Andy Dalton, despite his inconsistent play at times, has progressed and improved as a player as well.
The Patriots defense will have their hands full, especially against one of the league’s top offensive lines, but again this defense is quite underrated. The pass rush may not be able to get home as often this game, but as long as the coverage can hold up long enough, they will be fine. Expect a fired up team that will be pumped to have their star QB back and to be playing in front of a home crowd.
Record: 4-2
Next: Week 7 - Brady-Roethlisberger VIII