NFL Football - (3-0) New England Patriots at (1-2) Cincinnati Bengals 8:30 PM EST
The majority of online sportsbooks currently have the Patriots listed as 7.5-point road favorites with a game total of 53.5.
 This week 4 Monday night matchup has offensive shootout promise written all over it. New England comes into this game averaging 38.0 points per game, while Cincinnati is not far behind with 31.0 in the first three games of the season.
There is a big difference on the defensive side of the ball however, as the Patriots are allowing just 11.7 points per game, while the Bengals are allowing a lofty 31.7.
New England has looked unstoppable so far this season with blowout wins over the Jets, Chargers and Bills scoring 114 total points.
Tom Brady has an NFL leading 10 touchdown passes, throwing three or more touchdowns a game in the first 3 weeks of the season.
Randy Moss has 403 receiving yards and five touchdowns through the first 3 weeks. Tallying 100+ yards and a touchdown a game. That is an NFL record for any wideout joining a new team during the first 3 weeks of a season.
The Bengals, coming of two road losses, have the offensive firepower to stay with the Patriots, but their defense is another story. Cincinnati has allowed 95 points in the first three games, including 51 to Cleveland in week two.
Wide receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh form one of the best wideout duo's in the league, combining for 21 catches and 279 yards in Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Johnson has 25 catches for 442 yards and three touchdowns so far this year. Houshmandzadeh has 29 receptions and four TDs as well, which will present the Patriots' secondary with its stiffest test of the season.
Quarterback Carson Palmer has also posted impressive stats so far this season, completing 80-of-125 passes for 937 yards, with nine touchdowns.
These teams played exactly one year ago in Cincinnati with the Patriots rolling to a 38-13 victory behind two touchdowns from running back Laurence Maroney, as 6-point underdogs.
Key Trends
New England is 3-0 ATS on the season. 8-1 SU in the last 9 games. 8-1 ATS the last 9 games. 5-1 SU in the last 6 games vs. Cincinnati.
Cincinnati is 1-1-1 ATS this season. 8-1 ATS in the last 9 games when playing the Patriots. 5-11-1 ATS in their last 17 home games. 5-1 ATS in the last 6 games when playing at home against New England. The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati's last 5 games against the Patriots. The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Cincinnati's last 10 games.
Sportscapper Island Thoughts
We always take serious stock in a home team underdog, especially getting more than a touchdown and in the spotlight on Monday Night Football. The Bengals potent offense, combined with the expected crazy crowd at Paul Brown Stadium, makes us believe Cincinnati will stay within the number tonight.
Predicted Score - New England 31 Cincinnati 27
Be sure to visit the NFL football betting forum to post your picks and predictions for tonight's big game. |
