The New England Patriots are enjoying a Sunday off after defeating the New York Jets on Thursday night. It is a well-deserved night off as well, as New England sits on top of the AFC East with a 9-2 record. When the Patriots come back from their mini-bye, however, they’ll be in for a big challenge as they travel to face the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals may not have Joe Burrow, but New England’s defense will still be tested as they have one of the league’s best receivers in Ja’Marr Chase. Fortunately for the Patriots, they may not have to deal with him after Chase was seen spitting at Jalen Ramsey during Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The incident could put Chase at risk of a suspension for next week’s game, and if it happens, it could help the Patriots improve their positioning for their playoff push.
Ja’Marr Chase Facing Likely Suspension for Week 12 Matchup vs. Patriots
The incident came during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game between the Bengals and Steelers when Ramsey threw a punch at Chase. While Ramsey was ejected for the punch, FOX 19’s Austin Briski posted a video of Chase spitting on the Steelers' corner, which should land him in hot water with the league.
The NFL has cracked down on sportsmanship this season and already has a precedent for such a punishment following the opening game of the 2025 campaign. Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter spat on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott before the first play from scrimmage and was ejected during their Sept. 4 meeting. Carter was fined $57,222 for the incident, but the league also said that Carter would have faced a one-game suspension if he hadn’t been ejected during the game.
With Chase’s incident coming in the fourth quarter, as opposed to Carter doing it before the opening snap, a suspension could not only be on the way, but it’s likely. It would be a massive blow to the Bengals’ offense as Chase has 79 catches for 861 yards and five touchdowns this season. Even losing Burrow hasn’t stopped Chase from being one of the NFL’s most dangerous weapons, and it’s a good omen for the Patriots’ defense next week.
The Patriots rank 18th in the NFL with 215.9 passing yards allowed per game, but are coming off one of their best defensive performances of the season, holding the Jets to 105 passing yards on Thursday night. While the Bengals still have Tee Higgins, losing Chase would leave them severely shorthanded and help the Patriots earn another win in Week 12.