Week 12: Patriots vs. Bengals
Will Drake "Drake Maye" Maye get his first 300+ yard game?
This game should be a blowout. New England's offense has been the best it's been in several years, the Bengals defense is garbage, and they're playing without three studs in Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson.
Unfortunately, it's any-given-sunday, and they're definitely the underdog. Flacco can still sling the ball, but he can also turn the ball over. If the offense and defense play up to their potential for a full game, this could be an absolute thrashing. If one or both get sloppy it could be another keep-your-tums-handy game.
Thoughts from the board
Ricomandog
Patriots defense cannot contain Whacko Flacco or the WRs of the Bengals. Cincy wins in a shootout and end the Patriots win streak, bringing them back down to earth. If only Cincy had a better defense, they'd blow out the Pats. Now if you'll excuse me, it's dinner time. Mom's making corn dogs.
Bengals win 38-31
Bold Prediction: Burfict comes out from the stands and lays out Vrabel with a helmet to non-helmit hit.
DNOM
Still waiting for the Pats defense to get out of their first-drive doldrums, and the Bengals boast Chase & Higgins at WR, but I trust Gonzo and company after a long week. Couple that with Maye's deep threat against a questionable Cincinnati defense, and I'm going to predict scorigami as long as I can.
Patriots win 45-9
Bold Prediction: Maye throws for 400+ yards and 5+ TDs
Oscar
I said what I said, OK?!?
Bengals win 30-28
Bold Prediction: There's gonna be an injury to a key Patriots player. You'd think it would be Gonzalez, but it'll actually be Robert Spillane. Nothing devastating, but something that'll keep him out for a few weeks. X-rays will be negative. He'll be good to go after the bye.
Lordy
The Pats will dominate most of the game and the Bengals, while better than their Steelers game, will falter and get garbage time yards/points. Great complimentary football in all 3 phases.
Patriots win 34-24
Bold Prediction: Maye will go untouched in or outside of the pocket as he will rush for over 50 yards, get a rushing TD and throw for more than 2 TDs. Stevenson returns and does over 150 yards rushing while Henderson knocks one in.
RKing
The Bengals have an atrocious defense, so the Pats offense rolls. Despite Flacco throwing a few deep balls to higgins, the Bengals just dont have enough punch to keep up
Patriots win 35-14
Bold Prediction: Gonzo pick 6
Jdog
Pats offense roll over Bengals defense. Bengals have an opening score TD to continue a trend against the Pats. Flacco has some signature deep ball PI throws that lead to a couple TDs.
Patriots win 42-24
Bold Prediction: Drake has 5 TDs: 4 Pass, 1 Rush. Mondre comes back and scores a TD. Rec TD for Henry, Diggs, Pop, and Boutte (if he comes back..otherwise It'll go to Mack Hollins)
Zoo
Flacco can still sling the ball. Gonzo going to shadow Higgins most of the game? I don't think this game will be as easy as it looks (on paper) but the Bengals defense is garbage and I don't think Flacco can outgun Drake. Will Drake finally have his first 300+ yard game against an atrocious defense in Cinci? Yes.
Patriots win 38-17
Bold Prediction: Drake throws for 350+ yards 3 TDs and two of them are to Diggs
Blight
Williams is out, but Barmore can still destroy interior lines by himself. Look for the D-line to flush Flacco out of the pocket, where he will struggle.
Patriots win 35-13
Bold Prediction: Tonga gets a tuddy.
MAC
This team still seems to falter when opportunities to put opponents away pop up. Subs on the DL need to step up. With the long week to prep, expect a McD inspired trick play.
Patriots win 27-17
Bold Prediction: The Pats end their streak of giving up a score on the opponent's opening drive. The Drake gets his first 300+ yd game. BSJ starts placing his TUMS orders for the playoffs.
rondo723
This Bengals defense is up there among the worst of all time. ALL TIME. Don't let the off the hook with cutesy stuff. Go wild on them. I'm concerned about the defense without Milton Williams, I think they can be had. But the offense can win this game on their own.
Patriots win 38-23
Bold Prediction: Vederian Lowe receiving TD
Mr. Roger Badell
game not as close as score - TDs all around - 3 by air, 3 by ground, with a FG to close out 1st-half, after a late turnover.
Patriots win 45-17
Bold Prediction: S.A.S and Newton crash post-game to run their mouths. Vince Wilfork also crashes the set and will have bone of it. Pats nation erupts as Vince cracks a Brady pose, as the 2 wounded 'anal-ist' are gurneyed out to the blue tent.
Northshore
Pats will of course let the Bengals score on their first drive, but hold them to 17 points for the remainder of the game
Patriots win 34-17
Bold Prediction: Drake gonna drake: throwing for 3 TDs, (Henry, Henderson, Diggs). He's going to rush for a TD himself, and Gonzo will have a pick 6. Borregales will miss the extra point on that one.
redemptionCR
Close game. Pats let Bengals get back in it but hold on to win
Patriots win 23-21
Bold Prediction: Diggs 120+ yards
Dino
The Bungles have a historically hideous defense. The Pats offense is not great, but it is good. They shoiuld be able to gain yards both running and passing. Big game for the Pats' defense.
Patriots win 30-17
Bold Prediction: Henderson and Stevenson both get a TD.
