The New England Patriots are one of the hottest teams in the NFL, riding an eight-game winning streak into Week 12's showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.
Not only would a victory on Sunday extend New England's lead over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East, but it would move the Patriots one step closer to clinching the No. 1 overall seed in the conference and homefield advantage that comes with it during the playoffs. While a victory on the road in the NFL is never a given, New England should be entering this showdown with a healthy advantage under center.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Bengals have elected against activating All-Pro QB Joe Burrow from the IR ahead of the league's 4 p.m. ET deadline, meaning it will be Joe Flacco, not the former No. 1 pick, attempting to figure out Mike Vrabel's defense.
For several reasons, beyond the obvious, this will greatly benefit the Patriots.
Saturday Morning Joe Burrow Update Gives New England No Excuses
There is no doubt that facing Flacco, even with him in a groove after starting the bulk of the 2025 campaign, is a more promising scenario for the Patriots' defense. First and foremost, Flacco's lack of mobility inside and outside of the pocket should leave the front seven ready to wreak havoc in the backfield. Flacco is a statue in the pocket, and New England's pass rush would like nothing more than to drag that statue to the ground for three hours on Sunday afternoon.
With a QB in the pocket who is no threat to run the ball, something that cannot be said about Burrow even with his turf toe injury from earlier in the season, and star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase suspended, there is no logical reason for New England to even be in a competitive matchup on Sunday, let along a battle to the final whistle.
The Patriots were always going to be able to put up points against Cincinnati's abysmal defense. Far less potent offensive attacks than New England's have done just that this season, which means second-year stud QB Drake Maye should be lined up for another successful performance. With every week from here on out only adding raising the stakes for every team looking to make a playoff push, Maye is in a prime position to not only help New England achieve its regular season goals, but also further establish himself as the favorite to win league MVP.
Good teams win games against inferior opponents, great teams blow them out of the water and break their spirit in the early going. We'll find out on Sunday just what kind of team the Patriots are, as this is a prime opportunity to flex their muscles on a downtrodden opponent this Sunday.