Coming off a strong Week 11 victory, the New England Patriots enter Week 12 leading the AFC East, while also in a three-way tie for the top seed in the AFC. At 9-2, the Patriots are in a good position right now to qualify for the playoffs, which would be the team's first playoff appearance since the 2021-2022 season. Things will be tougher for them over the next few games, though, as Milton Williams will be out with an ankle injury.
Looking at New England's Week 12 opponent, the Patriots will head on the road to take on the Cincinnati Bengals. While the Bengals are 3-7 on the year, they have the potential to be an explosive offense. Cincinnati's weakness is on the defensive side of the ball, where they allow 33.4 points per game. Fortunately for New England, the Bengals should be down their top offensive weapon.
Ja'Marr Chase Suspended for Week 12 After Spitting incident
When the Patriots play the Bengals in Week 12, they won't have to worry about Ja'Marr Chase, who was suspended for one game, per NBC Sports Boston reporter Albert Breer. Chase is one of the best receivers currently in the NFL, so not having to go against him is a sigh of relief for the Patriots.
Although the NFL suspended Chase for one game, he will appeal the suspension, according to Sports Illustrated's James Rapien. Without Chase, the biggest offensive threats to watch for would be fellow wide receiver Tee Higgins and running back Chase Brown. New England also should be on the lookout for a forgotten Bengals receiver who should see the field more without Chase in the lineup, though.
Patriots Can't Forget About Andrei Iosivas
One of the more under-the-radar players on the Bengals' roster is receiver Andrei Iosivas. Iosivas hasn't had as productive a season as he did in 2024, but he's seen a decreased workload due to his role in the offense. Now that his role should be increased, he's someone to keep an eye on as he can do damage to an opposing team's defense.
One area of strength for Iosivas is his ability to move the chains, as he averages 13.5 yards per catch. Even though it has come on less volume, it's similar to his average last year of 13.3 yards per catch. All it could take is for Iosivas to make a couple of explosive plays for this game to be competitive. For a Patriots defense that will be without one of its best defenders in Milton Williams, everyone else needs to step up in his absence.
To have the best chance of winning, the Patriots' defense will have to limit the Bengals' explosive plays, while the offense capitalizes against the weak defense. Even if Chase plays, the Patriots should win this game, and it would be a disappointment if they don't.