They squeaked into the playoffs at 9-7 but did so after the Colts and Bengals both lay down and rested starters in the second half against them in Week 16 and Week 17.<\/p>\n
The Jets got a free pass and need a powerhouse effort to show they deserve d a postseason berth at all.<\/p>\n
New York Jets @ Cincinnati Bengals – Saturday, January 9, 4:30 p.m. ET We know what we get with the New York Jets: a flawed but effective team that does some things extremely well. Not surprisingly, Rex Ryan completely transformed Gang Green\u2019s defense; after one season under his tutelage, they rank first in total defense, passing defense and scoring defense. They rush the passer well and Darrelle Revis unofficially owns the title of the NFL\u2019s top shutdown corner. Revis bottled up the NFL\u2019s best all year long, from Andre Johnson to Randy Moss, and should handle a hobbled Chad Ochocinco if No. 85 (knee) is healthy enough to play.<\/p>\n The Jets also have the NFL\u2019s top rushing offense. Shonn Greene takes a backseat to Thomas Jones for now, as Jones, one of the league\u2019s least appreciated backs, finished third in the NFL in rushing. The chink in New York\u2019s armor is clearly Mark Sanchez.<\/p>\n The rookie pivot started the season well but buckled as the season progressed, finishing with 12 touchdown passes and 20 interceptions.<\/p>\n The Bengals don\u2019t wow anyone but do everything well, sporting a top-10 rushing offense, the league\u2019s No. 4 defense and a respectable pass rush. They arguably have the AFC\u2019s best one-two punch at cornerback in Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall. Cedric Benson ran with purpose in his inspiring comeback season, amassing 1,251 yards in just 13 games. Interestingly, the Jets and Bengals are two highly similar squads. Both play outstanding defense, run the ball well and have problems passing. However, a home game in frigid Cincinnati gives the Bengals a crucial edge at quarterback.<\/p>\n Carson Palmer struggled at times this season, especially in his horrific 1-for-11 performance against the Jets in the season finale. But he\u2019s still the more experienced pivot with more developed vision and solid 12:6 touchdown-to-interception ratio at home.<\/p>\n The Sanchize isn\u2019t ready to win a road playoff game in cold weather. He threw four touchdown passes versus 13 picks when playing in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit this season. The Jets will try to limit his throws, yes, but what happens if they fall behind? They can\u2019t rely on the running game in that case. This is an even matchup on paper but I think we\u2019re about to see a Sanchez meltdown. Bet on the Bengals to avenge their embarrassing Week-17 loss.<\/p>\n Gambling Trends:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong>NY Jets are 7-1 SU in their last 8 games when playing Cincinnati
\nSportsbook favourite: Bengals -2.5<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/banners.bmaker.ag\/images\/book_football_250_250_2.gif?cmpid=13385_1315\")
<\/a><\/p>\n
\nNY Jets are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games
\nNY Jets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games
\nNY Jets are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games on the road
\nCincinnati is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
\nThe total has gone UNDER in 5 of Cincinnati’s last 6 games at home
\nCincinnati is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against NY Jets
\nThe total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati’s last 5 games when playing at home against NY Jets<\/p>\n