Back in 2014, the Patriots' Super Bowl run officially started with four simple words, "We're on to Cincinnati."
Although Bill Belichick hasn't spouted out those words this week, the Patriots' game against the Bengals on Sunday is still a big one for New England: It will mark Tom Brady's first home game since returning from his four-game suspension.
Brady's return to Gillette Stadium is such a big deal that Patriots fans are emptying their bank accounts to see the game.
Patriots fans are paying a small fortune for tickets to Patriots-Bengals https://t.co/V8z6FEzLIF
— ThePatriotsWire (@Patriots_Wire) October 14, 2016
If the game on Sunday goes anything like the game in 2014, that's bad news for the Bengals, who got blown out 43-17. On the other hand, the good news for the Bengals is that they're going to be the healthiest they've been all year.
The only player on the Bengals' injury report this week was tight end Tyler Eifert, who will miss his sixth game of the season on Sunday.
As for the Patriots, they listed almost everyone on their injury report. In all, New England has a total of 13 players who are listed as questionable for Sunday, a total that includes Martellus Bennett, Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and LeGarrette Blount.
Of course, even if all those players sit out, it's going to be almost impossible for the Bengals to win, and that's because Brady is nearly unbeatable at home. Since 2007, Brady is 60-5 in home games during the regular season, a total that includes a ridiculous 48-1 record against AFC opponents.
The Bengals are an AFC opponent.
Good luck, Bengals, you're probably going to need it.
How to Watch
What: Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots
When: Sunday, Oct. 16, 1 p.m. ET
Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
TV: CBS (Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts on the call with Evan Washburn on the sideline)
Online: Sunday Ticket or NFL GamePass (game won't be available on GamePass until midnight)
Odds: The Patriots are 9-point favorites (via SportsLine)
Injury report
Patriots
- LB Jonathan Freeny (Shoulder) -- Out
- TE Greg Scruggs (Knee) -- Out
- RB Brandon Bolden (Knee) -- Questionable
- TE Martellus Bennett (Ankle) -- Questionable
- RB LeGarrette Blount (Hip) -- Questionable
- OT Marcus Cannon (Calf) -- Questionable
- LB Jamie Collins (Hip) -- Questionable
- WR Julian Edelman (Foot) -- Questionable
- QB Jimmy Garoppolo (Right Shoulder) -- Questionable
- TE Rob Gronkowski (Hamstring, Illness) -- Questionable
- LB Dont'a Hightower (Knee) -- Questionable
- LB Shea McClellin (Concussion) -- Questionable
- WR Malcolm Mitchell (Hamstring) -- Questionable
- OL Joe Thuney (Shoulder) -- Questionable
- DL Vincent Valentine (Back) -- Questionable
Bengals
- TE Tyler Eifert (Back, Ankle) -- Out
Prisco's pick
The Bengals are playing consecutive road games, and this is against the best team in the AFC. That makes it tougher. But if the Bengals are to turn their season back on track, they have to find a way here. I just don't think they can. Tom Brady plays big again.
Pick: Patriots 31, Bengals 27
