Published Nov 18, 5:12pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Nov 18, 5:12pm ET
Grok AI
Updated Nov 18, 5:12pm ET
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| Cincinnati Bengals | +9 (-121) |
| New England Patriots | -9 (+101) |
During the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady Patriots dynasty, the "die hard" fan base, consisting of people who miraculously chose to root for them, the Yankees, the Lakers, and Manchester United, lived and died with "their" Pats. When Brady left and the dynasty collapsed, those same fans found other options.
Now, that bandwagon is again bursting with "die hards" who endured those lost years before the arrival of Drake Maye and the hiring of Mike Vrabel as head coach.
The Pats have a real shot at a division title, a 1st round bye in the playoffs, home field advantage throughout the AFC bracket, and a possible Super Bowl return.
They need to avoid letdowns and wallowing in the sudden attention doled out to a very young team. So far, Vrabel has done a wonderful job in keeping his team focused.
Week 11 was a perfect example. Hosting the Jets on Thursday Night Football four days after a big win over the Buccaneers, it was a trap game despite the Pats' history of abusing the Jets. They won 27-14.
The Pats' defense smothered the Jets' rushing attack, holding Breece Hall to 58 yards. Drake Maye threw for 281 yards and had a passer rating of 107.6. TreVeyon Henderson scored 2 TDs on the ground and caught a pass for a third score.
TreVeyon Henderson powers in for the TD. 💪
— Tyler S (@Tyler_SS11) November 14, 2025
The New England Patriots tie the game against the NY Jets 7-7. pic.twitter.com/8VXGYya0jO
New England has been vulnerable to the pass this season, and the possible Ja'Marr Chase suspension could be a key aspect of the game itself and impact the point spread.
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Austin Hooper, TE | INJURED |
| Christian Elliss, LB | INJURED |
| Joshua Farmer, DT | INJURED |
| Rhamondre Stevenson, RB | INJURED |
| Kayshon Boutte, WR | INJURED |
Since the Bengals lost in Super Bowl LVI in the 2021-22 season, and then lost in the AFC Championship Game to the Chiefs in 2022-23 (ironically, both by 23-20 scores), the Bengals' subsequent seasons have taken a familiar path with extended struggles and a late-season push to get into playoff contention.
It will take a Herculean effort to achieve even that this season. At 3-7, they need to win 6 of 7 and get to 9-8 to have a chance at the AFC North title, which is their only route to make the playoffs.
Still, injured QB Joe Burrow could return as early as Week 13 on Thanksgiving when they host the Ravens.
After starting 2-0, the Bengals have lost 7 of 8. Their defense is atrocious, ranked next to last in defensive passing yards per game and last in rushing yards per game. They're also last in points allowed per game.
Joe Flacco, since being acquired from the Browns, has experienced a renaissance. But there's only so much he can do. Gunslingers don't win every shootout.
Star defensive end Trey Hendrickson has a hip injury and is doubtful.
Against the Patriots, they might be without Chase due to a spitting incident against the Steelers. He might appeal the one-game suspension, so his status is currently in question.
🚨ALERT🚨
— The Standard (@TheStandard412) November 16, 2025
Ja’Marr Chase straight-up spit in Jalen Ramsey’s face.
Tried to deny it, but the camera doesn’t lie. Embarrassing stuff!!! #NFL #Steelers
pic.twitter.com/naGP9lBB9Y
Without Chase and Hendrickson and their defense playing so horribly, it's hard to see them staying with the Pats.
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Ja'Marr Chase | SUSPENDED |
| Samaje Perine, RB | INJURED |
| Jermaine Burton, WR | INJURED |
| Joe Burrow, QB | INJURED |
| Trey Hendrickson, DE | INJURED |
| Cam Taylor-Britt, CB | INJURED |
In Week 12 Patriots-Bengals, New England has another game in which they must avoid looking ahead. Cincinnati is desperately trying to stay alive in the playoff race, and given the struggles of their AFC North rivals, they are still alive, albeit on life support.
Without Hendrickson due to injury and Chase likely suspended, how can they reasonably be expected to compete against the blazing Pats?
The Patriots will win this game going away.
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New England Patriots +9
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