The New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals square off in Week 15 just a week removed from the most amusing bit of controversy in recent memory. Spygate II was brought upon us by the Bengals, who thought the Patriots were attempting to film the team’s coaches on the sideline.
The NFL is investigating it, and there are a host of reasons to be entertained. The Patriots potentially getting busted cheating again. It happening against the hapless Bengals. How can you not be entertained.
With that in mind, the Patriots are 9.5-point favorites against the Bengals at DraftKings Sportsbook, with the point total at 41.5. The Patriots are 7-6 against the spread this season and have gone over the point total four times. The Bengals are 5-7-1 ATS this season and have gone over the point total four times.
Pick against the spread
I’m laying the points with the Patriots for one reason and one reason only. In light of the Bengals calling the NFL about the Patriots film crew, would anybody be surprised to see Bill Belichick and the Patriots lay it on Cincinnati this weekend? Maybe the Bengals hang around, but I just could see the Patriots making a bit of a statement. I suppose a big win over the Bengals isn’t quite a “statement” game, but more just in response to the critics.
And even beyond the controversy, I’m not remotely comfortable taking less than double digits with the Bengals. Yes, they have done well this season in covering the spread, but it doesn’t make me any more comfortable.
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