Patriots vs. Bengals Point Spread: NFL Week 12 Odds, Prediction
The Pats (9-2) clinched their first winning season since 2021 with a 27-14 victory over the New York Jets last week on Thursday Night Football. Emerging rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson scored three touchdowns and totalled 93 yards from scrimmage, Drake Maye threw for 281 yards and a score, and Stefon Diggs had nine catches for 105 yards.
The Bengals lost their third straight, a deflating 34-12 setback to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where Joe Flacco (23 for 38, 198 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) had his worst game in a Cincinnati uniform. Ja’Marr Chase was held to three catches for 30 yards and was more known for his role in “Spitgate,” while defensive end Trey Hendrickson missed his second straight game.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
New England, which is tied with the Denver Broncos for the best record in the NFL at 9-2, is 8-3 against the spread this season and 5-0 ATS on the road. The Patriots have gone 7-1 ATS during this eight-game win streak.
Thanks to a surging offence, New England has played to the over in four of their past five games.
The Bengals are 2-3 against the spread at home on the NFL odds board. They have played to the over five times in their past six games overall, as well as all five games at home.
New England Patriots
Henderson has emerged while Rhamondre Stevenson has missed three straight games with a toe injury. Stevenson could return this week, prompting questions about how New England will split carries with Henderson proving to be the more dynamic back right now.
Diggs is the third different receiver to top 100 yards the past three weeks for New England. His production (59-659-3) and leadership have been crucial in the Pats’ rapid rebuild.
The team does have to overcome the huge loss of defensive tackle Milton Williams, who went on IR with a high ankle sprain last week. He and Christian Barmore are the foundation of the team’s top-ranked rushing defence.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals will miss the postseason for the third straight year. Without Joe Burrow under centre, this is a last-place team. The defence is putrid – last in the league in yards allowed, last in rushing, 31st in passing and last in scoring.
Hendrickson, who is expected to miss Sunday’s contest, has only played seven games, and he leads the Bengals with four sacks.
Chase is third in the NFL with 861 receiving yards, but right now, any production he and Tee Higgins have on the outside just feels like empty calories. With Chase suspended for this game after spitting on Jalen Ramsey, the Bengals’ task has gotten even tougher.
NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Patriots vs. Bengals?
The Patriots have been criticized for a soft schedule they have no control over thanks to their 4-13, last-place finish last season. This, despite huge road wins over the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This week’s matchup will not help that cause. Both Maye and Henderson should be salivating at the prospect of facing Cincinnati’s junior varsity D. Don’t think too hard on this one. New England should easily cover that 8.5-point spread in a 31-17 victory.
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