Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals With the NFL Preseason now in full swing, the New England Patriots host the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night at Gillette Stadium.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady looked very good in his return to the line-up against the Philadelphia Eagles, throwing for two touchdowns in his first action since Week 1 of the 2008 season. Brady had been rehabbing from a season-ending knee injury that kept him on the sideline for almost all of last season.

NFL odds makers are calling the Patriots heavy favorites at home. The betting line on the contest is sitting at -7 with the total in the game set at 36.5.

In the Bengals preseason debut against the New Orleans Saints, quarterback Carson Palmer also had an impressive outing after missing most of 2008
with a elbow injury. Palmer was 7 of 11 for 133 yards and an interception in limited action. Palmer is not expected to play in this one. The Bengals signal caller has a slight ankle sprain and is listed as questionable.

But don't expect Palmer to see any action. In his stead, J.T. O'Sullivan will start and play 1 1/2 quarters with Carson's younger brother Jordan Palmer playing the rest of the game.

Bengals receiver Chris Henry also had a very good first game. Henry caught seven passes for 100 yards and a touchdown.

The biggest question mark for the Bengals in 2009 will be their offensive line. Cincinnati only has one starter on the offensive line back at the same position from last year.

If they can protect Palmer and keep him healthy, the Bengals could be dangerous offensively.