The New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals will meet on Sunday afternoon at Paycor Stadium for a Week 1 matchup that will set the tone for the rest of the season.
New England may be getting lucky for this matchup, as Cincinnati could be without their top two wide receivers for this game.
Tee Higgins popped up on the injury report on Thursday with a hamstring and was not seen on the practice field on Friday. Then, after practice, Ja'Marr Chase, who has been holding in for a new contract, said that he's a game-time decision for Sunday and will be limited if he plays.
Chase has been a Pro Bowler in all three seasons he's been in the league, and Higgins has been very good in his own right. Last year, the two combined for 142 receptions, 1,872 yards and 12 touchdowns despite Higgins and quarterback Joe Burrow missing time with injuries.
This would make things significantly easier for New England's secondary, which has been questionable throughout training camp. If both Higgins and Chase aren't able to go or aren't themselves, the Patriots could steal a win in the opener.
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