The New England Patriots are taking on the Cincinnati Bengals. Use this as the open thread for discussion!
1:00 PM EST Patriots rooting guide
Steelers (-8) at Dolphins: The Patriots face the Steelers next week, so this will be the first game they watch when they move on from the Bengals. The Dolphins are pretty much out of the contention in the AFC East, so the Patriots would be happy to see a Miami upset over the Steelers.
Browns at Titans (-7.5): The Titans are tied for 2nd in the AFC South with a 2-3 record, while the Browns season is over at 0-5. It would be fun to see the Browns win and help the Patriots strength of schedule, but a Titans victory puts divisional pressure on the 1st ranked Texans and t-2nd ranked Colts.
Rams at Lions (-3): The Patriots will face the Rams later this season, so the ideal result would be a Rams victory to improve the Patriots strength of schedule, while the Lions expose some major flaw in the St. Louis defense.
Jaguars at Bears (-1.5): This game doesn't affect the Patriots, although a Jaguars win and a Colts loss could place Indianapolis in a tie for last place in the division. So let's see if that can happen!
49ers at Bills (-9): The Patriots want the 49ers to pull off the major upset. The Bills are huge favorites this week, though, and a loss is unlikely.
Panthers (-3) at Saints: This game doesn't affect the Patriots.
Ravens at Giants (-3.5): The Patriots would love a Giants victory to send the Ravens further down the AFC standings.
Eagles (-3) at Washington: This game doesn't affect the Patriots.
Watch the Pats Pulpit Pregame show below!
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Date: Sunday, October 16th, 2016
Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Kickoff: 1:00 PM EST
Betting line: Patriots are the 9.5-point favorites
SB Nation Affiliates: Cincy Jungle
TV: CBS
Announcers: Dan Fouts and Ian Eagle, with Evan Washburn on the sidelines
Channels: Courtesy of the New England Patriots media guide.
Massachusetts
Boston, Mass. WBZ-TV Ch. 4Online Streaming: NFL Game Pass for international viewers, 98.5 The Sports Hub Online Radio Stream.
Radio: 98.5 FM, with Scott Zolak and Bob Socci