Patriots Shock Bengals in Biggest Week 1 NFL Upset in Six Years

In an unexpected turn of events, the New England Patriots secured a surprising 16-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals during Sunday’s season opener. This win marks the biggest upset for a season opener in the NFL in six years, with the Patriots showing their tenacity as 7.5-point underdogs.

This victory is notable as it is the most surprising Week 1 outcome based on closing odds since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers triumphed over the New Orleans Saints back in 2018. The Bengals had entered the 2024 season with high expectations, recognized as one of the top contenders in the AFC. Conversely, the Patriots were thought to be heading for a challenging campaign, particularly with their recent leadership changes.

Joe Burrow faced challenges in leading the Bengals’ offense, particularly due to the absence of starting wide receiver Tee Higgins, who was sidelined with an injury. The team’s running game was similarly underwhelming, as new starting running back Zack Moss could only manage 44 yards against the determined New England defensive line.

On the other side, the Patriots showcased a robust offensive effort. Rhamondre Stevenson emerged as a significant force, racking up an impressive 120 rushing yards. Meanwhile, quarterback Jacoby Brissett, an experienced journeyman, successfully navigated the game without a turnover, contributing to New England’s success.

This defeat hits hard for the Bengals, especially following the previous season when Burrow briefly held the title of the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback before being sidelined for half of 2023 due to injuries. The pressure is also mounting on star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who is keenly pursuing a lucrative contract to secure his position among the league’s highest-paid pass catchers.

As the Bengals regroup from this unexpected setback, they will need to tackle several challenges. The absence of Higgins was felt acutely, and finding ways to strengthen both the passing and rushing attacks will be crucial as the season progresses. They must also find ways to rejuvenate Burrow, as expectations are sky-high given his impressive track record prior to last year’s injury.

Meanwhile, the Patriots will look to build upon their surprising victory, which could serve as a solid foundation for the remainder of their season. If they continue to capitalize on their strengths, particularly in the rushing game and effective quarterback play, they may pull off more surprises as the season unfolds.

The outcome of this game serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where underdogs can prevail against heavily favored opponents. The Patriots’ performance may just be the jolt they needed to propel themselves out of the expected bottom-tier ranks.

As the Bengals seek to shake off this loss and formulate a strategy moving forward, all eyes will be on Burrow and Chase as they look to lead their team back to their expected form and aspirations. The season has just begun, and there’s plenty of time for both teams to make their mark.