Two franchises trending in different directions meet Sunday in Cincinnati when the Bengals (3-7) take on the New England Patriots (9-2). The Pats have won eight in a row while the Bengals have lost three straight and seven of their last eight games.

There have been rumblings Joe Burrow (toe) may return this weekend for the Bengals, but whether he does or not, Cincinnati’s greater issues are on the other side of the ball. The Bengals’ defense ranks last in the league in points and yards allowed. Cincinnati has allowed 27+ points in 9 straight games, tied for the longest streak in a season in NFL history (2020 Chargers, 1964 Broncos).

That generous defense makes the challenge all the greater no matter who starts under center for the Bengals. Finding a path to victory will be difficult. T

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