Patriots and Bengals Head-to-Head History

The New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals were both members of the American Football League. The Patriots, then known as the Boston Patriots, were an original AFL franchise, beginning play in 1960. Cincinnati began play in 1968. The two teams have met 27 times over the past 56 seasons. Sunday’s matchup will be number 28.

Despite both teams playing in the AFL and then the AFC, none of their meetings have occurred in the postseason. However, there have been some memorable moments. A look at the head-to-head history between the Patriots and Bengals:

First Meeting – December 1, 1968

The expansion Cincinnati Bengals played the Boston Patriots in Week 13 at Fenway Park. Cincinnati (3-9) and Boston (3-8) had both been long eliminated from championship contention. Legendary head coach Paul Brown led the Bengals. Brown’s staff included wide receivers coach Bill Walsh, who would become Hall of Fame coach himself. The Patriots head coach, Mike Holovak, was in his eighth season with the team. it would prove to be his last.

Also Read – NFL Power Rankings Entering Week 1: Chiefs Start on Top

Boston prevailed 33-14 that day. They were led by quarterback Tom Sherman, who threw three touchdown passes. Jim Nance rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown. Jim Whalen caught six passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns. Patriots Hall of Famer Gino Cappelletti had two receptions for 26 yards and a score. He also kicked a field goal and added four extra points.

The Patriots’ defense was led by linebacker Doug Satcher, who opened the scoring with a safety in the first quarter. Linebacker Jim Cheyunski added an interception off Cincinnati QB John Stofa.

Memorable Meeting – October 16, 1988

Cincinnati came to New England with a perfect 6-0 record. The hosts were 2-4 and coming off an embarrassing 45-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Packers would finish 4-12 in 1988. But the Patriots put on a defensive masterpiece that day. New England won the game 27-21. New England’s four touchdowns were scored by Bob Perryman (two), John Stephens, and Mosi Tatupu.

Local legend Doug Flutie, the 1984 Heisman Trophy winner from Boston College, started at quarterback for New England that day. He’d go on to post a 6-3 record for the Patriots in 1988, who were 3-4 in the games he did not start. Flutie did not put up monster numbers but he avoided turnovers. His Cincinnati counterpart could not say the same.

Bengals QB Boomer Esiason won the 1988 NFL MVP and led Cincinnati to the AFC Championship. He enjoyed a sensational season, except for his game against the Patriots. Esiason threw five interceptions in the game and lost a fumble. Five different defenders for New England picked off Esiason in the game. This included safety Fred Marion, who also recovered a fumble for a sixth Cincinnati turnover.

Last Meeting – December 24, 2022

The Bengals (10-4) visited the Patriots (7-7), who remained in contention for a playoff spot on Christmas Eve. New England’s postseason dreams were dashed in the game. Cincinnati left with a 22-18 victory, on their way to the AFC North title. Cincinnati led 22-0 at halftime. New England made a valiant second half comeback, though it was too little too late for the home team.

Cincinnati QB Joe Burrow threw two interceptions but made enough big plays to get the win. He finished 40-of-52 passing, for 375 yards and three touchdowns. Tee Higgins caught eight passes for 128 yards and a touchdown. Trenton Irwin added two touchdown receptions.

Mac Jones played mistake-free football for New England, though it wasn’t enough. Jones finished 21-of-33 for 240 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Kendrick Bourne had a big afternoon with six receptions for 100 yards and a score. Cornerback Marcus Jones brought back an interception 69 yards for a pick-six to start the second half.

Patriots PICK SIX! @MarcusJonesocho with a huge steal in NE 😱

📺: #CINvsNE on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/12iaSiFKaP pic.twitter.com/yvao9pSGGx

— NFL (@NFL) December 24, 2022

Overall Series

The New England Patriots led the overall series with a record of 17-10-0. The Patriots’ longest winning streak in the series in four games, which they’ve accomplished twice (1978-1985 and 2004-2010). Cincinnati’s longest win streak in the series is three, also done twice (1970-1975 and 1990-1992). The Bengals take a one-game win streak into Sunday’s matchup.

Statistical Leaders in the Patriots-Bengals Series

Passing Yards
1,930 – Tom Brady, NE

Passing Touchdowns
17 – Tom Brady, NE

Passing Interceptions
6 – Boomer Esiason, CIN

Rushing Yards
338 – Corey Dillon, CIN/NE

Rushing Touchdowns
3 – Corey Dillon, CIN/NE

Receptions
26 – T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson, CIN

Receiving Yards
450 – Stanley Morgan, NE

Receiving Touchdowns
3 – Eddie Brown and Rodney Holman, CIN
3 – Rob Gronkowski and James White, NE

Points Scored
60 – Stephen Gostkowski, NE

Tackles
38 – Tedy Bruschi, NE

Sacks
3.5 – Jarvis Green, NE

Interceptions
3 – Barney Bussey, CIN

Game 28 between the New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals kicks off their 2024 seasons. Could Sunday’s game become the new most memorable game in their head-to-head matchup? Stay tuned.