Three keys: How the Bengals beat the Patriots on Christmas Eve

The Cincinnati Bengals (10-4) take on the New England Patriots (7-7) on Saturday in Foxborough, Mass. at 1 p.m. ET.

As the Bengals continue their quest to win the AFC North, this matchup against the Patriots is significant for many reasons. The Patriots remain in the playoff hunt and are coming off an embarrassing loss to the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15. Cincinnati wants to keep winning in hopes to keep the division crown for the second straight year and host a playoff game.

Saturday’s game has all of the makings to be a competitive game between the Bengals and Patriots.

New England’s head coach Bill Belichick is known for his defensive schemes and ability to shut down what his opponent wants to do best. The Bengals and Zac Taylor want to continue to operate at a high level on offense.

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Here’s how the Bengals improve to 11-4 this year with a win over the Patriots:

Bengals need fast start on offense vs. Patriots

The Bengals trailed 17-3 at halftime against the Bucs last week and don’t want a similar performance. Cincinnati was able to overcome the deficit by creating four turnovers, but it’s not a pattern they would like to continue. When the Bengals have been at their best this year, they’ve started fast and got up on teams early.

They need to do this against New England because of the style the Patriots want to play. The Patriots’ offense is certainly their weak point of the team. If the Bengals can jump out to a two or three score lead, it would be shocking if New England wins.

The Patriots rank No. 17 in points per game and No. 23 in passing yards per game. Quarterback Mac Jones has regressed in his second season. New England has also dealt with a lot of controversy this season with their offense due to play-caller Matt Patricia.

New England simply doesn’t have the weapons on the outside to keep pace if the Bengals jump on the Patriots early. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase says that is an emphasis for the team this week as they prepare for their final road contest of the regular season.

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Bengals need to beware of Matt Judon, Josh Uche

The Patriots have two top edge rushers on their roster in Matt Judon and Josh Uche. Judon ranks No. 2 in the NFL in sacks (14.5) and Uche ranks No. 10 with 10.5.

Since Week 2, Cincinnati’s offensive line has played extremely well. They’ll need another strong performance on the road in the cold weather against Judon and Uche.

Bengals center Ted Karras played for the Patriots from 2016-19 and knows what Belichick will have dialed up. That’s why he stated there’s no room for complacency despite the six-game win streak his team is on.

Cincinnati is healthy on the offensive line and that has played a huge role in their success.

Running game needs to get going again for Bengals

It’s going to be warmer in Foxborough than it will be in Cincinnati at kickoff. It will still be cold, though. The temperature is expected to be in the low 20s, but it is going to be sunny.

It will be important for the Bengals to establish the ground game again this weekend. Due to the score and the style of the game in Tampa, Cincinnati was unable to run the ball like they have in weeks prior. The Patriots rank No. 9 in the NFL in run defense.

Given the weather and the way New England is going to try and rush quarterback Joe Burrow, if Cincinnati can be balanced in their attack between the run and pass game, the more difficult they’ll make things.

Running backs Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine rushed for a combined 45 yards in Week 15.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: NFL Week 16 predictions: How Bengals beat Patriots in New England