Kickoff: The Patriots kickoff the 2024 season in Cincinnati against Joe Burrow and the Bengals. Sunday will be the first time the Patriots will not be coached by Bill Belichick since 1999. Jerod Mayo will make his much anticipated regular season debut. Expectations are low for the Patriots this season but an upset win Sunday would be a big boast for this team moving forward. 

Here are four keys to the game.

1st Down: Ball control: The Patriots need to run the ball well today. It is not so much about playing keep away but rather protecting the offensive line and opening things up in the passing game. Look for the Patriots to run the ball 30 plus times today. 

2nd Down: Help the tackles in pass pro: Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt needs to help his offensive tackles so look for chip releases by the tight ends and the running backs as they look to get a piece of both Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson. If they don’t max protect at times, it could be a long afternoon for Jacoby Brissett. Cincinnati’s pass rush and pressure packages are elite. 

3rd Down: Throw Burrow off his spot: The Patriots need to get consistent pressure on Joe Burrow and throw him off his spot. Despite the receiver drama, the Bengals still have a good skill group and a good offensive line. If Burrow is allowed to hang in the pocket and consistently go through his progression, he will pick the Patriots apart. Getting in his face, forcing him to reset and move will be key. 

4th Down: Brissett must play well: You might be saying to yourself, no shizzle! However, Brissett will need to make plays in the passing game if the Patriots are going to pull off the mild upset. Cincinnati’s defense is good. Their secondary is fundamentally sound in coverage and opportunistic. Brissett has to play within the system, not force things and take care of the ball. If he does those things, the Patriots should be fine. 

Extra Points:  The Patriots will be opening the season against the Bengals for the fourth time in team history. It is the first time since a 38-24 win on Sept. 12, 2010 at Gillette Stadium.

The game will be the 28th meeting between the two teams. The Patriots lead the all-time series 17-10. They have won seven of the last 10 meetings.

Final Drive: The Bengals have had a tumultuous summer and they are notoriously slow starters to open the season. The Patriots can win this game. A fast start, winning on third down and taking care of the ball are all keys to success today. If the Patriots do those three things, they can win this game. It is week one, anything is possible.