Patriots need a lot to go right in the season opener vs. the Bengals

Matching up with the Cincinnati Bengals in the season's opening game wasn't the best draw for a Patriots team that's new almost from top to bottom. Cincinnati is solid, and though they finished last in the super-competitive AFC North, they still sported a very respectable 9-8 record. It's not the easiest of starts for a re-building Pats' squad.

The Bengals have a high-powered offense. If he plays, Ja'Marr Chase, who was in a contract dispute, but has now returned to practice, boast a high-powered offense with top quarterback, Joe Burrow, and another excellent wideout in Tee Higgins, who caught 76 passes in 2023. But Chase, who caught 100 passes last season, is the offensive star.

Meanwhile, New England will rely on a diminished defense. Though the team's strength is still missing its two best players. They are sack machine Matt Judon, who was traded to Atlanta, and emerging star defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who's out with a health issue.

The Bengals are a tall task for the Patriots, especially away.

New England's offense has to surprise to have a chance

The Patriots' hopes will rest on the revamped offense with newly named starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett at the helm. Brissett had a less-than-optimum pre-season. He completed only 35.7 percent of his passes for 36 yards and no touchdowns in a limited sample. He'll have to improve that substantially so the Pats have a chance on Sunday.

In support, Brissett will have a decent running game with Rhamondre Stevenson and newcomer Antonio Gibson but a questionable receiving corps. Second-year player Pop Douglas will be the team's best WR if he stays healthy.

After him are all question marks. Former second-round pick Tyquan Thornton is bordering on a total flop, and two rookies, Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, have to contribute right out of the gate. The veteran tight end room with Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper must also be a factor.

Compounding the woes is an offensive line that is arguably one of the worst in the NFL. After center David Andrews and guard/tackle Mike Onwenu, there's little else with a glaring need for an NFL-caliber left tackle. That bodes ill for the offense overall.

On defense, things look better, but the loss of Judon and Barmore mentioned above is huge. The pass rush will be decidedly weaker. Hopefully, second-year player Keion White, a potential breakout player on defense, can take up a lot of the slack. After him are Joshua Uche and Anfernee Jennings, neither of whom can be counted upon.

The Bengals will be looking to start strong

After missing the playoffs in 2023, Cincinnati will be out for bear. They have a solid quarterback in former Pro Bowler Joe Burrow, who had a decent 2023 when he played. Unfortunately, due to injury. Burrow only suited up the Bengals' first 10 games and missed the rest due to a torn wrist ligament.

He completed 66.8 percent of his passes with 15 TDs and six interceptions in his ten games. Keeping him healthy is key to the Bengals' hopes. As Burrow goes, so go the Bengals. Fortunately, he has the offensive line to do so.

Burrow will play behind Orlando Brown Jr., the top left tackle. He'll team up with former Patriots Ted Karras at center and Trent Brown at right tackle. This is a far better O-line than the Pats can muster, and that factor will be pivotal in this game.

The Bengals may have Chase back and will have their other top receiver, Tee Higgins, ready to go. But, as noted, Chase has only just now returned to practice; while he'll probably play, his contribution may be impacted somewhat by conditioning.

Chase on the field raises the Bengals' offense to another level. If not, Higgins will have to carry the receiving corps. Former Colt running back Zack Moss is a solid and familiar face. Mike Gesicki may be counted upon to pitch in at tight end. Expect the Bengals to have a solid offense with Burrow at the helm, no matter who he has alongside.

The Patriots will have opportunities on offense since the Bengals' 2023 defense ranked 28th by Pro Football Focus in 2023, though ESPN's Dan Graziano thinks the Bengals may surprise there. The match-up will be strength-against-strength when the Bengals have the ball and weakness against weakness when the Pats have the rock. It sets up an interesting match-up.

All that considered, here's the prediction: the Bengals will win it, 30-9. They have a far better offense, and if Chase plays, they can easily rack up 30 points while the Pats settle for a few field goals. It's the start of a long season for New England, and Cincinnati will be the first beneficiary of the Patriots' lack of a top-flight offense.

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