Joe Burrow makes his highly anticipated return to the Bengals after a season-ending wrist injury in week 11 vs the Baltimore Ravens.
The former LSU Tiger played in their preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers completing five passes of seven attempts, completing one touchdown pass.
Ja'Marr Chase Holdout Continues
One of the key talking points of the off-season was Ja’Marr Chase’s contract situation as the holdout continues. The wide receiver missed all the preseason games and will most likely miss this game until he is made the highest-paid receiver in the league.
Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton said the team is “prepared” to play without Chase in week 1. He stated: “If he’s not out there, we are prepared for it.
"Like I said, the reps that the guys have been getting behind him, Tee (Higgins), Charlie (Jones), Yoshi (Andrei Iosivas)”.
Life After Belichick
The Patriots will come to terms with life without legendary coach, Bill Belichick as the 38-year-old former Patriot, Jerod Mayo takes the mantle of the six-time Super Bowl champions.
The former linebacker has announced that 31-year-old quarterback Jacoby Brissett will start week one, over first-round draft pick, Drake Maye and sixth-round pick, Joe Milton.
The Patriots coach said that there are “a lot of factors” that led to the decision. In a press conference, he said: “As an organization though we feel like Jacoby (Brissett) gives us our best chance to win”.
Without Chase, wide-receiver Tee Higgins will be Burrow’s main target and will be looking to improve upon his 2023 season, and with Chase missing the game, this will be Higgins’ best opportunity to show what he has got in his locker.
DeMario Douglas was the Patriots' top receiver last year with 561 yards and this year will be hopeful to improve upon his 2023 season with a new quarterback.
Cincinnati will be looking to improve upon their 9-8 record this season as they are looking to return to the playoff picture this year, and if they can keep Burrow healthy, they hope he can be a contender for the MVP award.
Meanwhile, New England, who finished last year with a record of 4-13, will be moving on from the Mac Jones experiment and looking towards a season of rebuilding and growth.
The Bengals are known to be slow starters and have only won one first-week game in the last 5 seasons. The Patriots have lost three opening matches in a row since 2020.
The last time these two teams played was in 2022, Cincinnati won the game 22-18. The previous matchup took place at the Gillette Stadium in New England, which saw Burrow throw for 375 yards and three touchdowns.
Zach Moss will be looking for a hot start as he replaces long-time Bengals running back, Joe Mixon. The former Colt will claim the starting spot for Cincinnati after running for 794 yards in the 2023 season.
Last season's sack leader for the Pats, Christian Barmore won’t be starting this weekend after being placed on the reserve list on Tuesday.
Rookie defensive tackle, McKinnley Jackson will miss the season opener for the Bengals as he was placed on the reserve list this week.
