The New England Patriots (2-8) return home to host the Cincinnati Bengals (2-8) this week. The game is sold out, extending the franchise record streak to 69 consecutive home sellouts. It will be the 145th consecutive game televised locally. The Patriots have not had a game blacked out locally since 1993 when they hosted the Indianapolis Colts (12/26/93).

The Patriots and the Bengals have not squared off since 1994. That year, the Patriots traveled to Cincinnati, where they claimed their first victory of the season. The 31-28 triumph triggered a three game win streak. That year, the Patriots won their last seven games to claim their first playoff berth in eight years.

The last time the Patriots hosted the Bengals was in 1993. The Patriots were just 1-11 through 12 games, but a 7-2 victory over the Bengals ignited a four-game win streak and the Patriots finished 5-11.

Last week, the Patriots were defeated by the Cleveland Browns, who claimed a 19-11 victory in Cleveland. It was the Patriots' eighth loss of the season, the seventh decided by eight points or less. The last time the Patriots lost as many games by such a small margin was in 1993, when the Patriots were 4-8 in games decided by eight points or less.

This week's game will be the second of two consecutive games against AFC Central opponents, a division that the Patriots have enjoyed their greatest success. Since 1996, the Patriots are 7-2 vs. the AFC Central.

Through the first 10 games of the season, Patriots punt returner/wide receiver Troy Brown continues to electrify fans across New England. He leads the AFC and ranks second in the NFL in punt return average (16.1). Last week, he gained 51 punt return yards and increased his single-season total to a career-high 436 yards. He needs just 173 punt return yards to set the Patriots single-season record.