It doesn’t feel very Christmassy at the minute, especially after the shambles of last week in Las Vegas. But, hopefully, the team can rally to finish 2022 strong. Tomorrow, the 7-7 Patriots welcome the 10-4 Bengals. Here’s your snapshot preview for Week 16!
Injuries
Patriots To Watch
Marcus Jones
Marcus Jones has moved to the top of the watch list for me now each week, he always seems to make an impact on games over this recent stretch, regardless of what side of the ball he’s playing on. A bright spark in what’s been a dark period for the team.
Rhamondre Stevenson
While Damien Harris is questionable and expected to be available for the team tomorrow, I expect Stevenson will still be the lead backfield weapon once more for the Patriots. Stevenson’s career-high game last week ended in disaster with that bonkers play, he’ll want to forget everything about that and hopefully put in another huge game on the ground. One to watch, as always.
Josh Uche + Matt Judon
This tandem pass-rushing attack is so important for the Patriots, especially with how Uche has come along in the last couple of months. They were both not quite as effective last week against the Raiders, but for me, they hold the keys to any chance of a win tomorrow, they have to get after Burrow.
Wild Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase
Now Chase is back and healthy, he resumes his role as WR1 and one of the league’s best pass-catchers. The Pats did a great job of shutting down DeVante Adams last week, but I do fear that they won’t be able to subdue Chase tomorrow, he’s the main threat.
Joe Mixon + Samaje Perine
Unlike last week where the Pats needed to only stop one threat out of the backfield, tomorrow they’ll have to deal with a tandem pairing that has found the endzone 14 times this season. Mixon for sure hasn’t had the same sort of production we saw this time last year, but, the offense has shown that they can get either player into the endzone either carrying or catching the ball.
Trey Hendrickson
Even with a broken wrist, Hendrickson is expected to play which is a huge boost for the Bengals. Obviously, it’s not an ideal situation and he’ll likely have a giant club on the affected limb, but, with the issues the team has had on the offensive line, Hendrickson still poses a big threat to Mac Jones.