The Cincinnati Bengals are set to kick off their 2024 season on Sunday against the New England Patriots, but they may be without their top two receivers. Tee Higgins is dealing with a hamstring injury and is listed as doubtful for the game, while Ja'Marr Chase's contract negotiations could also sideline him.
Higgins suffered a hamstring injury during practice on Thursday and was unable to participate in Friday's walkthrough. While he told reporters that he feels “amazing,” the Bengals have listed him as doubtful for the Week 1 matchup. This is a significant blow for the Bengals as Higgins has proven to be a reliable target for quarterback Joe Burrow. The Bengals are eight-point favorites, while the game has an over/under of 41 points on DraftKings Sportsbook.
While Higgins' absence is due to injury, Chase's potential absence is rooted in contract negotiations. Chase has been holding out for a new deal all offseason and has yet to reach an agreement with the Bengals. He told reporters on Friday that he will make a game-time decision about playing and that he would be limited if he does play. He said that he's 100 percent healthy and expressed his intentions to play Sunday when speaking with reporters in Cincinnati on Friday. He’s been a limited participant in practices this week.
Chase's contract situation has been a source of tension between the Bengals and their star receiver. Both sides have indicated that a deal is within reach, but without an official extension, Chase's status remains uncertain.
If both Higgins and Chase are unable to play, the Bengals will have to rely on a younger group of receivers, including rookie Jermaine Burton, Andrei Iosivas, Charlie Jones, and Trenton Irwin. They will also be able to rely on their running game, which features Zack Moss and Chase Brown.
Impact on the Patriots
The Bengals' potential absence of their top receivers could be a major boost for the Patriots defense. Both Higgins and Chase are difficult players to cover, and they have a history of success against the Patriots. Last season, Higgins had eight receptions, 128 yards, and a touchdown against the Patriots, while Chase caught eight passes for 79 yards in a Bengals victory at Gillette Stadium in 2022.
If the Bengals are unable to field their top receivers, it will be a significant advantage for the Patriots defense. It will be interesting to see how the Bengals adjust their offensive strategy in the absence of their star receivers.
Contract Negotiations
The contract situation for Chase has been the biggest story for the Bengals this offseason. The Bengals have been trying to sign Chase to a long-term extension, but they haven’t been able to agree on terms. Chase is seeking a deal that makes him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL.
The Bengals have applied the franchise tag to Chase, which means he will be playing on a one-year deal worth $21 million. The Bengals could also apply the franchise tag to Chase for the 2025 season if they haven’t agreed on a long-term deal.
Bengals' Offensive Depth
Even if Chase and Higgins are out, the Bengals have some talented receivers on their roster. Burton was a third-round pick in the 2024 draft and is expected to have a significant role in the offense. Iosivas and Jones have some experience from the 2023 season.
The Bengals also have a solid running game, which could be more heavily utilized if they are without their top receivers. They have a young and talented group of players, who are all hoping to make a statement in the 2024 season.
The Patriots’ Counter
The Patriots’ defense is certainly better than their offense, but with a first-year coach in Jerod Mayo and losing a star like Matt Judon to the Atlanta Falcons, the threat becomes more neutralized. The status of both Bengals receivers, Chase and Higgins, could make it easier for the Patriots to focus on the other threats, like running back Joe Mixon, and tight end Irv Smith Jr. While the Patriots have their own injuries to deal with, left guard Sidy Sow has been ruled out due to an ankle injury, Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (hip), offensive tackle Vederian Lowe (abdomen) and lineback Josh Uche (foot) are all listed as questionable, the Bengals have a more formidable offense overall.
The Patriots will be facing a tough challenge in Week 1, but they have a chance to pull off an upset if they can limit the Bengals’ offense. They will need to find a way to contain Joe Burrow and make sure he doesn’t have time to find his open receivers.
The Game
The game will kick off at 1 p.m. ET at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. It will be a close game, but the Bengals are favored to win. The Patriots will be hoping to start the season with a win and send a message to the rest of the AFC. The game could very well be decided by which team has the fewest turnovers and the most successful play calling. It will be a fascinating game, and one that could have major implications for the AFC playoff race.
A Game of Uncertainty
The Bengals’ offensive situation is a major story heading into Week 1. The status of Higgins and Chase will be a big factor in the outcome of the game. If the Bengals are unable to field their top receivers, it could be a big advantage for the Patriots. However, even without their top receivers, the Bengals still have a talented roster and a dangerous offense. It will be an interesting game to watch.
