Cincinnati Bengals vs New England Patriots Prediction, TV Info and How to Watch

Cincinnati Bengals vs New England Patriots prediction talk is heating up ahead of their Week 12 clash at Paycor Stadium on Sunday, November 23, 2025. The Bengals are 3-7 and clinging to faint playoff hopes, while the Patriots arrive at 9-2 and in the AFC title race. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on CBS in a game that will test Cincinnati’s depth without Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.

Burrow will not be activated from injured reserve after his Grade 3 turf toe surgery, so veteran Joe Flacco will start again for Cincinnati. New England leans on second-year quarterback Drake Maye, who has entered the MVP conversation, plus a physical ground game led by Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. With the Patriots riding an eight game winning streak and the Bengals trying to stop a three game skid, the stakes feel huge for both sides.

Cincinnati Bengals vs New England Patriots Prediction and Key Storylines

The biggest headline for this matchup is the quarterback situation. Burrow practiced fully during the week but the Bengals have chosen caution, keeping him on IR and handing Flacco a sixth straight start. Reports from national outlets and team sites confirm that the plan is to aim for a potential Burrow return on Thanksgiving night or shortly after, not in Week 12.

Cincinnati’s offense will again run through Flacco and wide receiver Tee Higgins. With Ja’Marr Chase serving a suspension and several offensive pieces banged up this season, Higgins has become the unquestioned number one target. He has built strong chemistry with Flacco and has extended a remarkable home touchdown streak that stretches back into last season, making him the focal point of any Bengals scoring surge.

The Patriots, meanwhile, arrive in form. Maye has settled into Josh McDaniels’ system with efficient decision making and big play upside. New England can stress defenses vertically with Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte, then punish light boxes with Stevenson and rookie Henderson. That balanced attack is a tough matchup for a Bengals defense that has struggled badly against both the run and the pass in 2025.

Cincinnati’s defense is under heavy scrutiny. All season it has allowed one of the league’s highest yardage and points totals per game, and now it must find answers without star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, who has been ruled out. Defensive coordinator Al Golden needs a nearly perfect afternoon from a battered unit, including pressure from depth rushers and cleaner tackling in the secondary, to keep the Patriots from controlling the tempo.

On the New England side, the key health questions center on Stevenson and edge rusher Harold Landry III, both listed as dealing with minor injuries but trending toward availability after full practices late in the week. Head coach Mike Vrabel has emphasized physicality and situational football, and his team has consistently won on third down and in the red zone during its winning run. That profile travels well, even into a loud road environment.

Prediction for this game leans toward the Patriots’ consistency and depth. With Burrow still sidelined, Flacco must play near perfect football and avoid turnovers while attacking downfield to Higgins and tight end Mike Gesicki. New England’s pass rush and disguised looks will make that difficult over four quarters. If the Bengals fall behind early, their leaky defense and limited firepower without Chase make a comeback uphill.

Final prediction: New England Patriots 31, Cincinnati Bengals 23. The Patriots stay on track for a top AFC seed, while the Bengals likely slip further from the playoff picture and wait on Burrow’s eventual return to revive their season.

TV Channel, Kickoff Time and Live Stream Options

The Bengals vs Patriots game will kick off on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 1 p.m. ET. The matchup takes place at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, giving the Bengals a crucial home field edge as they try to upset one of the AFC’s hottest teams. It is part of the early Sunday window.

The game will be broadcast on CBS, with coverage carried locally in New England on WBZ-TV Channel 4. Kevin Harlan is scheduled on play by play, with Trent Green providing color analysis and Melanie Collins reporting from the sideline. Fans in the Cincinnati market will also receive the CBS telecast on their local affiliate.

For streaming, viewers in local markets can watch via Paramount Plus, which carries live NFL on CBS broadcasts. Mobile and tablet users in local regions can also stream the game through NFL Plus, which offers live regular season and postseason games on handheld devices. International fans can access the contest through NFL Game Pass International where available, subject to regional blackout rules.

Radio coverage is extensive on both sides. In New England, 98.5 The Sports Hub serves as the flagship of the Patriots Radio Network, with Bob Socci and Scott Zolak on the call. In Cincinnati, the Bengals Radio Network provides local coverage, giving fans detailed pregame, in game, and postgame analysis around the matchup.

What Each Team Must Do To Win In Week 12

For the Bengals, the formula starts with protecting Flacco and leaning into quick, efficient passes. The offensive line has to manage a Patriots front that can generate pressure from multiple spots. Screens, slants, and timing routes to Higgins, Jermaine Burton, and Gesicki can help neutralize the rush and keep Cincinnati on schedule.

A complementary run game from backs like Chase Brown is also important. Even if the Patriots are stout against the run, Cincinnati needs enough balance to keep Vrabel’s defense honest. Staying in manageable third downs will limit obvious passing situations where Patriots defenders can tee off and hunt turnovers.

Defensively, the Bengals need to tighten up their coverage busts and tackling. New England’s offense thrives on yards after the catch and on capitalizing when defenses make small mistakes. If Cincinnati can steal a possession with a takeaway and string together a few timely stops, it could give Flacco and the offense a chance to trade scores rather than constantly chase the game.

For the Patriots, the key is to play clean, patient football. Maye does not need hero throws on every drive against a defense that has surrendered explosive plays all season. Sustaining drives with a mix of Stevenson and Henderson runs plus high percentage passes to Diggs, Boutte, and the tight ends will wear down Cincinnati over four quarters.

New England’s defense also has to keep Higgins from taking over. Rolling coverage in his direction, contesting catch points, and tackling well after the catch will be central to the game plan. If the Patriots can limit Higgins and force other Bengals weapons to beat them, their chances of extending the win streak grow significantly.

In the end, the Cincinnati Bengals vs New England Patriots prediction comes down to health, depth, and form. With Burrow still out and New England playing like a complete team on both sides of the ball, the Patriots hold the advantage and are favored to leave Cincinnati with another key November win.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What time does the Bengals vs Patriots Week 12 game start?

The Bengals vs Patriots game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 23, 2025. The matchup will be played at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. It is part of the NFL’s early Sunday window on CBS.

Q2: Who is starting at quarterback for the Bengals in Week 12?

Joe Flacco is expected to start at quarterback for the Bengals against the Patriots. Joe Burrow remains on injured reserve as he continues to recover from Grade 3 turf toe surgery. Cincinnati is targeting a later return date rather than rushing him back.

Q3: Is Joe Burrow playing against the New England Patriots?

No, Joe Burrow will not play in Week 12 versus the Patriots. The team has officially ruled him out and chosen not to activate him from IR for this game. His next realistic chance to return comes in the weeks that follow.

Q4: How can I watch or stream Bengals vs Patriots live?

The game airs on CBS, with local carriage in both markets. Fans can stream through Paramount Plus in local CBS areas and via NFL Plus on mobile devices in local markets. Radio coverage is available through the Patriots Radio Network and the Bengals Radio Network.

Q5: What is the prediction for Cincinnati Bengals vs New England Patriots?

The matchup favors the Patriots based on form and health. A realistic projection is New England 31, Cincinnati 23, with the Patriots’ balanced offense and tighter defense making the difference. The Bengals will need a near perfect game from Joe Flacco and their defense to pull off an upset.