### Patriots vs Bengals: A Clash of Fortunes in NFL Week 12 The New England Patriots are set to face the Cincinnati Bengals in a highly anticipated matchup this Sunday at Paycor Stadium. With the Patriots boasting a strong record of 9-2, they are heavily favored against the struggling Bengals, who sit at 3-7 and are clinging to slim playoff hopes. The game is particularly significant as it marks a pivotal moment for both teams: the Patriots aim to extend their winning streak, while the Bengals look to recover from recent setbacks, including the absence of star quarterback Joe Burrow due to injury [https://inews.zoombangla.com/patriots-vs-bengals-new-england-patriots-are-heavy-road-favorites-against-the-cincinnati-bengals][https://inews.zoombangla.com/patriots-vs-bengals-week-12]. ### Breakdown of the Matchup: Key Segments 1. **Team Performance Overview** - The Patriots are currently leading the AFC and are in contention for the top seed in the playoffs. - The Bengals, on the other hand, are struggling with a 3-7 record and face challenges in their offensive lineup. 2. **Quarterback Situation** - Joe Burrow's injury leaves the Bengals without their starting quarterback, significantly impacting their offensive strategy. - Drake Maye, a rising star, is expected to take the helm for the Bengals, facing a Patriots defense that has shown vulnerabilities [https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2025/11/patriots-vs-bengals-predictions-picks-and-best-bets-for-nfl-week-12-burrow-and-maye-enter-showdown.html]. 3. **Betting Insights and Predictions** - The Patriots are favored by a significant margin in betting lines, reflecting their current form and the Bengals' struggles. - Expert predictions suggest that the Patriots will likely cover the spread, given their strong performance metrics and the Bengals' recent offensive woes [https://www.covers.com/nfl/patriots-vs-bengals-predictions-picks-november-23-2025]. 4. **Injury Reports and Impact** - The absence of key players, particularly Burrow, is expected to hinder the Bengals' ability to compete effectively. - The Patriots, while facing some injuries, have a deeper roster that can absorb such losses better than the Bengals [https://www.si.com/betting/patriots-vs-bengals-prediction-odds-spread-injuries-trends-for-nfl-week-12]. ### Evidence and Data Supporting the Analysis - **Current Standings**: - Patriots: 9-2, leading the AFC. - Bengals: 3-7, struggling to maintain playoff contention. - **Quarterback Statistics**: - Drake Maye has been noted for his ability to throw for over 240 yards against weak defenses, which the Patriots have shown to be susceptible to [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/week_12_best_bets_cincinnati_bengals_vs_new_england_patriots/s1_16652_43109146]. - **Betting Trends**: - The Patriots have consistently been favored in recent matchups, with betting lines reflecting their strong performance and the Bengals' decline [https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-odds/114613/nfl-week-12-cincinnati-bengals-spread-over-under-betting]. ### Conclusion: A Pivotal Game for Both Teams In summary, the upcoming game between the New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals is crucial for both teams, albeit for different reasons. **The Patriots are looking to solidify their position as a top contender in the AFC, while the Bengals are fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive despite significant challenges.** 1. **Patriots' Strength**: With a strong record and a favorable matchup, they are expected to dominate. 2. **Bengals' Challenges**: The absence of Burrow and recent performance issues put them at a disadvantage. 3. **Betting Insights**: The Patriots are favored to win, reflecting their current form and the Bengals' struggles. This matchup promises to be a defining moment in the NFL season, with implications for playoff positioning and team morale [https://www.si.com/betting/patriots-vs-bengals-final-score-prediction-for-nfl-week-12-can-new-england-cover][https://www.foxsports.com/articles/nfl/patriots-vs-bengals-2025-prediction-odds-picks-nov-23].