In the Week 16 NFL schedule, this week’s matchups feature a battle between two AFC teams contending for another playoff spot and will take place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The Cincinnati Bengals (10-4) defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, coming back from a 17-0 hole to win big on the road, 34-23.
On the other hand, the New England Patriots lost a heartbreaking game to the Las Vegas Raiders after a lateral was picked up for a defensive score with no time remaining.
Which AFC team will come out on top in this one with the playoffs on the line? Let’s take a closer look at the best Bengals vs Patriots Predictions.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. New England Patriots
- Game Day: Saturday, December 24, 2022
- Game Time: 1:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: CBS
- Location: Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Stadium: Gillette Stadium
Last Game Records
Bengals’ Last Game Record
The Cincinnati Bengals enter this matchup coming off an impressive come-from-behind victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road and now move to 10-4 in the NFL standings.
Down by 17 points, the Bengals stormed back and outscored the Bucs 31-6 in the second half to complete their comeback victory.
The Bengals scored 34 unanswered points and collected the win by a final score of 34-23. Keep this performance in mind when making Bengals vs Patriots Predictions.
Patriots’ Last Game Record
The New England Patriots, on the other hand, were down 14 points at the half and almost stormed back to grab a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Up by seven points with less than a minute to go in the fourth quarter, the Raiders threw a touchdown pass to tie the game. The Patriots uncharacteristically tried to win the game despite just seconds remaining on the clock.
Rhamondre Stevenson lateraled the ball to Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers and, as time ran out, tried to throw it reverse to Mac Jones.
Due to his superior size and speed, Chandler Jones picked off the ball and was able to stiff-arm Jones and score, defeating the Patriots 30-24 and preventing overtime.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. New England Patriots Analysis
After a mediocre first half in Week 15, Cincinnati trailed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by 17 points at halftime, but they came out firing in the second half, scoring 34 consecutive points.
This club has performed in that manner up to this point, and they have continued to post winning statistics as they have now won six games in a row.
NFL Team Stats
In terms of NFL team stats, the Bengals had arguably their worst offensive day of the year, mustering just 253 yards on offense.
However, they battled the whole game with Joe Burrow putting the team on his back, firing off four touchdowns in the win. Overall, this Bengals squad enters this NFL matchup ranked tenth in total offense (362.1).
Bengals’ Defense
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bengals forced four turnovers in the comeback victory over the Bucs, picking off Tom Brady twice and forcing two fumbles.
The Bengals enter this matchup ranked 15th in total defense, surrendering 335.7 yards per contest, and they come in tenth overall conceding 20.6 points per game. Keep an eye on the NFL injury report for some key injuries in this one.
Patriots’ Performance Recap
As for the New England Patriots, they suffered an embarrassing loss to the Raiders last week, showing uncharacteristic undisciplined football.
After fighting to get back into the game, the Patriots blew several scoring opportunities and couldn’t hold off the Raiders’ offense when they had the lead.
At 7-7, the Patriots might have to hit the drawing board as they are fighting for a playoff spot but have lost three of their last four games.
Mac Jones at the NFL Player Stats
In terms of NFL player stats, Mac Jones has certainly regressed in year two as he enters this matchup, having thrown only seven touchdown passes to eight interceptions. Additionally, Jones hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass over his last two contests.
A big part of their success on the offensive end, however, has been Rhamondre Stevenson, who collected 172 yards on the ground against the Raiders, including his fifth rushing score of the year.
Overall, this Patriot offense ranks near the bottom with only 319.5 yards and 21.4 points per game.
When it comes to the Patriot’s defense, Coach Bill Belichick has always boasted a solid defensive unit.
This year is no different as the unit ranks sixth, conceding 312.3 yards per game while coming tied for seventh in scoring defense (19.2). Keep an eye on the NFL injury report for some key injuries in this one.
Odds Breakdown
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals odds entering this contest are set as 3.5-point favorites on the spread.
When it comes to the moneyline, the Bengals have NFL odds of -195 to win this matchup on the road. The point total has been set at 39.5 (-110).
New England Patriots
Taking a look at the New England Patriots schedule, New England comes into this contest as 3.5 points underdogs at home.
In terms of the moneyline, the Patriots are given NFL odds of +165 to win despite playing at home. The point total has been set at 39.5 (-110).
Bengals vs. Patriots Betting Pick and Prediction
The Patriots put together a performance to forget last week against the Raiders as they dropped their third game in their last four contests.
While they are still fighting for a playoff spot, they run into a red-hot Bengals team that has collected six straight wins while covering 11 of their last 12 contests.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals are on a mission for the Division title and first overall seed in the AFC playoffs.
They are playing strong and effective football on both sides of the ball, and they should overwhelm the Patriots in this one.
With cold weather expected in New England, this should be a low-scoring affair. The Bengals have gone under the total in three of their last four contests, while the Patriots have gone under the total in five of their last seven contests.
Expect both teams to utilize the run to minimize mistakes, but the Bengals have too many weapons on both the offensive and defensive sides to lose this matchup. Back the Bengals in this spot with our Bengals vs Patriots predictions.
NFL Pick: Bengals -3.5 (-110)
NFL Pick: Under 39.5 (-110)
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