Patriots' potential starting o-line vs. Bengals is cause for concern originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
There are reasons to be optimistic about the New England Patriots entering their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase may not suit up for Cincinnati. The Patriots' defense has top-15 potential. And the Bengals are susceptible against the run.
But if you're wondering why the Bengals are 7.5-point favorites, look no further than the trenches.
The Patriots' offensive line was plagued by injuries and inconsistency throughout training camp and the preseason, and that could carry over into Week 1, as Vederian Lowe suggested to the Boston Sports Journal's Mike Giardi he probably won't play Sunday due to an oblique injury he suffered about two weeks ago.