Stephen Nover's NFL Sunday Underdog Special
(NFL) Patriots (NE) vs. Bengals (CIN),
Point Spread: 8.00 | -110.00 Patriots (NE) (Away)
Result: Win
Are you sure Joe Burrow is fully healthy from a serious wrist injury? How about the status and game-ready condition of Ja'Marr Chase? Do you trust the Bengals' offensive line?

The Bengals' defense isn't a strength either with a mediocre pass rush and lacking playmakers.

These are questions I have about the Bengals. I know the Patriots have a respectable defense and won't lack motivation playing for a new coach, Jerod Mayo, after 24 years of being under Bill Belichick.

Slow starts have been a staple of the Zac Taylor era. Cincinnati is 1-4 on opening week during Taylor's first five seasons as head coach averaging only 17.8 points.