THURSDAY'S PLAYS 30 Dime Patriots

Bengals at Patriots
PATRIOTS - If you’re a New England Patriots fan, or you just like to get down on the Pats, you absolutely loved what you saw from Tom Brady last week.

The guy played longer than most people figured, he hit 10 of 15 passes and, most importantly, when he threw his one interception (he also threw two touchdowns) he got pretty pissed off. That actually bodes well for everyone with an interest in the Pats because if Brady gets pissed off in the preseason that means he’s actually trying and is actually competing, unlike the more than 100 guys out there who are just going through the motions.

So, tonight, in his first home game since destroying his knee, he’ll have a little something for the Bengals as he leads New England to an easy victory as about a 7-point favorite.

Last week against the Eagles the Patriots were catching 3 points and ended getting the outright win, beating Philadelphia 27-25 in Philly.

Almost surprisingly, it was the Pats’ first preseason win and cover since 2007. On the other side, the Bengals come into this game just 3-6 SU and only 4-5 ATS their last 9 preseason games, including last week’s 17-7 loss at New Orleans as a 3-point underdog.

Also keep in mind that Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer is hobbling around, nursing what is being called a “mildly sprained ankle.” Reports out of Cincinnati indicate Palmer will not play tonight, which means backups J.T. O’Sullivan and Carson’s younger brother, Jordan Palmer, will get extra reps.

Yeah, that doesn’t really strike fear in my heart either.

Lay the points and take the Patriots at home in this one.