What experts predict for the Patriots-Bengals game on Sunday

This is a far cry from trying to get someone fired for betting on the Cardinals during a snowstorm at Gillette Stadium 16 years ago (note: this is just an example; there is no evidence that anyone was actually stupid enough to think that).

New coach, new quarterback, same old problems at the line of scrimmage, where the Patriots have filled their glaring need on the offensive side with a couple of draft picks (tackle Caedan Wallace in the third round; guard Hayden Robinson in the fourth) and not much else. Aside from having Hog Whisperer Dante Scarnecchia on speed dial (he's already said “no”), the Patriots have done about as much to protect rookie Drake Maye as they have to conduct a fair and viable head coaching search, i.e., hiring Mike Vrabel.

Even if the members of Robert Kraft's PR team each weighed 300 pounds, it would be the most impenetrable line of attack in history. The one that matters, however, is still a mess.

Starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett got the job early in the season largely because of his veteran leadership skills. But he'll also be playing the sacrificial lamb until the line gets its act together enough to seriously consider Maye. Or until Kraft gets even more disappointed that he's not getting to play in prime time and demands to see the kid. Whichever comes first.

“I'm very confident that these guys will execute the plan and work out the details, and I'm looking forward to them really having their impact on this team because it starts with them,” Brissett said. “I know what they're capable of, and I'm looking forward to them showing [it].”

At least someone is. Check back with us on Sunday, Jacoby, so we know how you feel.

This week’s predictions:

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Bengals 26, Patriots 17. “Joe Burrow is healthy again for the Bengals in this game, which makes the Bengals an instant contender. Being at home is an even bigger advantage against a Pats team that has a limited roster. New coach Jerod Mayo will make his team play hard, but in the second half, Burrow will take over as Jacoby Brissett struggles.”

CBS Sports Team: Six out of seven are betting on the Bengals (-8.5).

Jimmy Kempski, Philly Voice: Bengals (-8). “Having watched the Patriots offense in just one practice session during training camp, I am extremely confident that they (a) will not be able to protect the quarterback and (b) will not be able to score many points.”

Sam Bauer, Los Angeles Times: Bengals 31, Patriots 13. “These aren't the Patriots they used to be. Cincinnati should win this game easily. The Bengals' pass rush will pose all kinds of problems for New England, and Joe Burrow & Co. should be fine.”

Vic Tafur, The athlete: Bengal. “Burrow was also able to practice with Ja'Marr Chase again on Wednesday, and although everyone is keeping quiet about his status for Week 1, Burrow said his star receiver is “ready to go.” The Patriots are not.”

The athlete Personnel: Bengals across the board.

Greg Cote, Miami-Herald: Bengals 17, Patriots 6. “For the first time since 1999, Bill Belichick isn't on the New England sideline, and the Patriots are Week 1's biggest underdogs, coming off a 5-14-1 loss against the spread. Cincy's star WR Ja'Marr Chase is back from his contract disaster, though his status for Sunday was still uncertain on Thursday — but Joe Burrow and Gals at home should take over the Pats' rebuild no matter what. It's only a matter of time before NE turns to rookie QB Drake Maye. Early October?”

ESPN team: All 11 choose the Bengals.

USA Today staff: All Bengals.

MMQB staff: Ditto.

Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Bengals 28, Patriots 9. “A healthy Joe Burrow makes all the difference for the Bengals, whose two-year reign as division champions ended last season. Just when people were getting used to the Patriots without Tom Brady, now Bill Belichick is missing too.”

Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Bengals 27, Bengals 14. “The Bengals should be excited to have a healthy Joe Burrow back leading the offense, as the Patriots defense is in transition without Bill Belichick. They can partially stunt Burrow's support, but not completely. The Patriots offense, no matter who plays quarterback, can't expect to keep up, and it will also face a strong pass rush and tough coverage if it is unable to keep up the running.”

Bill Bender, The Sporting News: Bengals 25, Patriots 17. “The biggest Week 1 line has the Bengals at home in Week 1, and Joe Burrow and the starters played more in the preseason this year. That's because Cincinnati has lost in Week 1 in four of the last five seasons, and the only 2021 win was in overtime against Minnesota. The Patriots are starting a new chapter with Jerod Mayo, and the key will be avoiding turnovers on the road. Get that line now before it drops during the week.”

Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: Bengals.

Chris Simms, Pro Football Talk: Bengals.

It says here: Bengals 17, Patriots 13. The 2024 Patriots will be a lot like the 2024 Red Sox; a team that isn't quite ready for the next step, but that milestone could be closer than you think. Or they end up with the No. 1 pick that they have to use on a lineman. Not exactly the kind of conversation that lights up the board. Speaking of which, have you seen the lighthouse?