The Cincinnati Bengals are mired in an ugly three-game losing streak and officially drifting into desperation mode. One more loss could bury their already-slim playoff hopes, and they’re walking straight
into the toughest stretch of their schedule.
First up: the 9–2 New England Patriots, led by Drake Maye—currently sitting on Vegas’ short list of MVP candidates.
Can the Bengals start a season-saving run, or will the wheels keep coming off?
Here are the matchups to watch.
Tee Higgins vs. All the Attention
When the Bengals have both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, defenses are forced into a “pick your poison” scenario. But Chase will serve his one-game suspension in Week 12, which means all eyes—and all coverage—shift to Higgins.
Higgins is a bona fide WR1 on most NFL rosters, and he’s carried Cincinnati’s passing game before. If the Bengals are going to score enough points to hang with New England, Higgins will have to put on one of those takeover performances.
Mitch Tinsley vs. Jermaine Burton (for WR2 relevance)
Somebody has to absorb the targets Chase leaves behind. Logic says Mitch Tinsley, who’s actually played snaps this season. But there’s a real chance Jermaine Burton is active for the first time in a long time.
If that happens, Burton may be looking at his one real shot to prove he’s more than a practice-squad placeholder. Whoever steps up here will determine how often Higgins sees double teams—and how functional the offense can be.
Mike Gesicki vs. Patriots Linebackers
With Higgins drawing doubles, Joe Flacco (or Joe Burrow, if ready) needs a consistent second option. Enter Mike Gesicki, returning from injury and more of a big slot than a traditional tight end.
Gesicki wins with separation, body control, and downfield ability. If he’s healthy—and if New England doesn’t commit a safety to him early—he could end up being the Bengals’ most important mismatch of the afternoon.
Bengals Secondary vs. Drake Maye
The Bengals are struggling at every level of the defense. The pass rush has gone missing, and when quarterbacks face little to no pressure, opposing receivers are carving up the secondary.
The Patriots bring real skill talent with Stefon Diggs and Hunter Henry. Cincinnati has allowed the most passing touchdowns in the NFL this season, and if Maye is allowed to stand clean in the pocket, he’ll look to pad his MVP case.
This matchup is simple: either the Bengals blanket New England’s weapons, or this one gets ugly.
Bengals Defensive Front vs. TreVeyon Henderson & Rhamondre Stevenson
Cincinnati doesn’t just give up passing touchdowns—they’ve allowed the fifth-most rushing touchdowns in the league too. TreVeyon Henderson’s breakaway speed plus Rhamondre Stevenson’s returning power is the classic lightning-and-thunder combination.
Nothing helps a young quarterback more than an easy running game and a defense that can’t generate pressure. The Bengals don’t need to dominate both phases, but they have to win one: stop the run or affect the quarterback. If they can’t do at least one of those, Maye and the Patriots will dictate everything.
