Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be taking an in-depth look at the Bengals' 2025 opponents. The Bengals return home to host the New England Patriots in Week 12.
2024
The Patriots finished last in the AFC East in 2024, going 4-13 and firing head coach Jerod Mayo after one season.
New England scored 17.0 points per game, ranking 30th in the league, and ranked 31st with 291.9 yards per game. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye started 12 games and was a Pro Bowl alternate. The third overall pick from North Carolina completed 66.6% of his passes, tossed 15 touchdowns to 10 interceptions and rushed for 421 yards and two touchdowns as well. On the ground, RBs Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson combined for over 1,300 yards and eight rushing touchdowns.
The Patriots allowed the 11th-most points per game on defense, giving up 24.5 points per contest, and ranked last in the league with 28 sacks.
Offseason Changes
After firing Mayo, New England hired former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel as its next head coach. The Patriots brought in a myriad of players in free agency on both sides of the ball. On defense, they signed Eagles DT Milton Williams, Lions CB Carlton Davis, Raiders LB Robert Spillane and Titans LB Harold Landry III.
They also added some playmakers for Maye on offense, signing WRs Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins and TE Austin Hooper. After allowing 52 sacks last season, New England brought in C Garrett Bradbury and OT Morgan Moses and drafted OT Will Campbell with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.