Patriots-Bengals Week 5 Predictions
BOSTON (CBS) - The WBZ-TV, 98.5 The Sports Hub and WBZ NewsRadio 1030 Sports teams make their prediction for Sunday's Patriots-Bengals matchup.
Scott Zolak, 98.5 The Sports Hub
Danny Amendola will play in this game. I'm not saying he's going to have a ton of catches but it will open up things for the guys on the outside that are continuing to grow.
We'll see some great balance again, and the Patriots with another tough road win.
Patriots 31, Bengals 17
Andy Gresh, 98.5 The Sports Hub
Andy Dalton isnt playing at a high level yet. If Dalton plays well, they ahve a chance to win, but they won't
Patriots 27, Bengals 17
Walt Perkins, WBZ NewsRadio 1030
A tough test? Yes. One the Patriots will pass? Yes, again.
Tom Brady and the offense are starting to find their way and that's without Danny Amendola (who is closer to returning) and Rob Gronkowski (who knows?)
Even without Vince Wilfork up front, the Patriots defense will find a way to to get the job done.
Patriots 31, Bengals 23
Steve Burton, WBZ-TV Sports
The Patriots are gunning for their first 5-0 start in six years, and they have a great shot to do it on Sunday.
The Pats go up against the 2-2 Bengals in Cincinnati, whose offense didn't score a touchdown last week against Cleveland.
The Patriots, of course have a big problem on D, with Vince Wilfork lost for the season. Now New England will rely on undrafted rookie Joe Vallano and Chris Jones to fill the void -- and that's a huge void.
Defensive players have to step up, and one already has. Aqib Talib is tied for the NFL lead with four interceptions, and that is from covering the opposition's best receiver. Last week it was Julio Jones, and it won't get any easier with A.J. Green this week. If Talib can shut down Green, Cincy could be in for a long afternoon.
The Benglas' strength is their defense, but Tom Brady and company are starting to click. Brady's receivers are still dropping the occasional pass, but they make up for it with spectacular grabs. Of course, you have to credit the Patriots' offensive line; not only are they blowing open holes for the running back, but keeping Brady upright so the offense can attack.
Can the unbeaten stay perfect? The Patriots will give it a try.
Patriots 24, Bengals 10
Dan Roche, WBZ-TV Sports
The Patriots certainly took a step in the right direction Sunday night with a hard-fought win in Atlanta. I think this will be a tough game for a lot of reasons....mainly because the Bengals should be tough at home. It should be physical which the Oatriots don't mind. Losing Wilfork hurts, but I don't think Andy Dalton is a top tier QB, so I think the Oats defense should be OK.
Patriots 24, Bengals 14
Levan Reid, WBZ-TV Sports
I didn't think the Pats would beat the Falcons and they actually handled them pretty well. So where should I go this week because, the Bengals are a more balanced team.
Cincy is one of those squads that you don't know what you are going to get. They could be world beaters or the Bungles. Here's the deal, the Pats are playing good ball and I'm going to take the Patriots offensive game plan over Cincinnati's.
Andy Dalton will make mistakes and when he does, the Patriots defense will be there to take advantage. The rookies have proved to me that they can win on the road.
It could come down to Tom Brady and Bill Belichick versus Andy Dalton and Marvin Lewis. I like Marvin Lewis but this is a no brainer.
Patriots 34, Bengals 20
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