Experts share their picks for the Patriots Week 12 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Mike Reiss, ESPN:

Pick: Patriots 30, Bengals 24

Joe Burrow’s possible return, and the Bengals’ leaky defense, could make this a high-scoring game.

Stephania Bell, ESPN: Patriots

Matt Bowen, ESPN: Patriots

Mike Clay, ESPN: Patriots

Chris Fowler, ESPN: Patriots

Dan Graziano, ESPN: Patriots

Kalyn Kahler, ESPN: Patriots

Pamela Maldonado, ESPN: Bengals

Eric Moody, ESPN: Patriots

Jason Reid, ESPN: Patriots

Lindsey Thiry, ESPN: Patriots

Seth Wickersham, ESPN: Patriots

NFL.com

Ali Bhanpuri, NFL.com: Patriots 30, Bengals 23

Brooke Cersosimo, NFL.com: Patriots 33, Bengals 21

Dan Parr, NFL.com: Patriots 30, Bengals 22

Gennaro Filice, NFL.com: Patriots 32, Bengals 23

Tom Blair, NFL.com: Patriots 31, Bengals 21

Why Brooke picked the Patriots: The Bengals enter this game behind the 8-ball. Their last-ranked defense continues to take blows, with CB Cam Taylor-Britt likely to have season-ending Lisfranc surgery. Joe Flacco is coming off his worst game as the team’s starter, while Ja’Marr Chase must now serve a one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct. On the plus side, history tells us that we could get a big day from Tee Higgins, who averages just over eight targets, six catches and 100 receiving yards with three total TDs in five career games without Chase. And hey, Joe Burrow was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, meaning he could theoretically return to action on Sunday. Whether it’s Burrow or Flacco under center this week, the Bengals are going to have to dig deep offensively, facing the NFL’s No. 1 run defense, No. 5 scoring defense and No. 8 total defense. Plus, Drake Maye, TreVeyon Henderson and Stefon Diggs are cooking, and Rhamondre Stevenson and Kayshon Boutte are back at practice. Josh McDaniels’ top-10 unit looks poised to keep the momentum going against a defense that has allowed 33.4 points and 418.2 yards per game this season (both last in the NFL). These are two teams on opposite ends of the spectrum right now — on the field and in terms of vibes.

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports:

Pick: Patriots 35, Bengals 30

The Patriots are riding high, while the Bengals are going in the opposite direction. The Bengals will be without suspended receiver Ja’Marr Chase in this one, which will challenge them even more. The Patriots will be rested having played last Thursday, which is is an advantage. They will keep it rolling behind Drake Maye as they win a shootout.

Cody Benjamin, CBS Sports: Patriots

Jared Dubin, CBS Sports: Bengals

Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: Patriots

John Breech, CBS Sports: Bengals

Tyler Sullivan, CBS Sports: Patriots

Dave Richard, CBS Sports: Patriots

Jamey Eisenburg, CBS Sports: Bengals

Pro Football Talk

Mike Florio: Patriots 34, Bengals 30

Chris Simms: Patriots 37, Bengals 21

Paul Perillo, Patriots.com:

Pick: Patriots 38, Bengals 24

Joe Burrow’s potential return adds intrigue but he can’t help Bengals sagging defense.

Mike Dussault, Patriots.com:

Pick: Patriots 34, Bengals 17

Burrow might play but I don’t think it will be enough to match what Josh McDaniels and Drake Maye will have in store for the Bengals defense.

Evan Lazar, Patriots.com:

Pick: Patriots 31, Bengals 28

Admittedly, Joe Burrow likely being back for the Bengals is making me nervous for the Patriots. All great winning streaks must come to an end eventually, right? However, I’ll ride the hot hand still because Burrow’s movement might be limited by his toe injury, and Drake Maye should have his way with the Bengals defense. I’m expecting a classic mini shootout between Burrow and Maye on Sunday.