The Bengals raced out to an early lead on Christmas Eve afternoon

in Week 16 as New England dips to a 7-8 record on the season.

The Pats were hurt by a slow start that enabled a three-score Bengals lead at halftime

Mac Jones finished 21-of-33 for 240 yards, while his counterpart on the Bengals Joe Burrow had 375 yards and three touchdown

After a white-hot start, the Bengals production faded and their mistakes England's picked up, opening the door for New near comeback.

The Bengals reasserted themselves as a top team in the AFC and Super Bowl contender while the Patriots continue another late-season slide with just two games to go.