Quarterback: Patriots

        Scott Mitchell will get his first start as a Bengal. His other three appearances, all in relief of Akili Smith, have resulted in an 11.2 passer rating, four interceptions and no touchdowns.

        In Dallas, a fragile Troy Aikman carved up the Bengals. Drew Bledsoe, even with a bad thumb on his throwing hand, could easily do the same.

        Running backs: Bengals

        Every week, Corey Dillon gains more well-deserved respect around the league. He's averaging 85.5 yards rushing a game and earning every one of them.

        Kevin Faulk has more than 40 receptions but only 428 yards on the ground. They're averaging only 92 yards a game.

        Wide receivers/tight ends: Patriots

        Youth hasn't served. The young wide outs share in Smith's temporary demise. Let's see if the experienced Mitchell can help them elevate their game.

        This group has speed and a lot of catches. Terry Glenn and Troy Brown average 12 yards a reception and have 92 catches between them.

        Offensive line: Bengals

        It's not just Dillon. The line's achievement is even more impressive because defenses stack the line against the run, and the Bengals are still third in the NFL.

        Bledsoe has been sacked 34 times for more than 200 yards in losses. The running game is 24th in the league. Bengals need to exploit this New England weakness and pressure Bledsoe.

        Special teams: Patriots

        The kickoff coverage team holds opponents to an average drive start at the 27.4-yardline, fourth best in the AFC.

        Adam Vinatieri is 14 of 18 on field goals and perfect on 15 PAT attempts. Brown is second in the NFL with a 16.1-yard return average.

        Defensive line: Patriots

        John Copeland is hurting again and may not play. The group held Dallas down on the ground, but not one of these guys laid a hand on Aikman all day.

        A slight edge here but not much. New England is better statistically against the run and the pass.

        Linebackers: Bengals

        The combination of talent and coaching is evident here. Takeo Spikes Pro Bowl campaign is building national steam. Position coach Mark Duffner gets the most from each linebacker.

        Tedy Bruschi is the best of a unit in transition. He's started all 10 games and has 67 tackles, four passes defensed and a sack.

        Defensive backs: Patriots

        All eyes, including Bledsoe's, will be on rookie Robert Bean, who's making his first NFL start in place of Tom Carter. Three of the four starting DBs are new since Game 5. Only three interceptions.

        NE is 15th agains the pass. Plus this group can intercept passes. Strong safety Lawyer Milloy leads team with 71 tackles, three forced fumbles and one interception.

        Coaching: Bengals

        Dick LeBeau continues to work hard to find the right personnel combinations. This week he's sitting down the franchise quarterback (Smith) and a high-priced veteran (Carter). Dillon needs to get the ball more than he did in Dallas, though.

        Bill Belichick is great defensive coordinator. He's turned a .500 team into, well, the Bengals. He now has a 39-53 career record, but eight of those wins came against bad early '90s Cincinnati teams.

        The winner: Patriots

        Foxboro Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in the NFL and will be sold out today for the 145th consecutive time. The Bengals have to work too hard for every point and won't be able to stop Bledsoe.

        The score: Patriots 16, Bengals 9

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