Patriots Beat Bengals 26-20, Streak Hits Nine Games

The New England Patriots defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 26-20 on Sunday at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, extending their winning streak to nine games and improving their record to 10-2 in Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season.

Quarterback Drake Maye led the Patriots to victory despite an uneven performance, completing 22 of 35 passes for 294 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Early in the second quarter, Maye threw a pick-six to Bengals safety Geno Stone, giving Cincinnati a 10-0 lead. The Patriots offense struggled initially, managing just one first down on their opening drive and going three-and-out on the second. However, Maye steadied himself, connecting with tight end Hunter Henry for a 28-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit. The turning point came when cornerback Marcus Jones intercepted a pass intended for Bengals running back Tahj Brooks and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown, putting New England ahead 14-10. Kicker Andres Borregales added four field goals from 41, 45, 49 and 52 yards to secure the win.

The Bengals, playing without star quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver JaMarr Chase, relied on veteran Joe Flacco at quarterback. Burrow, sidelined since early...