The NFL playoffs start this Saturday with what I like to call the “Something to Prove Bowl.”
Both the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets enter the postseason with chips on their shoulders.
The Bengals went 6-0 against their own division yet most of us still expect the Cardiac Cats to choke when it matters.
Meanwhile, the Jets “won” their way into the playoffs but did so against two teams that rested their starters in the second half. Amid cries that they don’t even deserve to be there, the Jets will want to make a statement in the playoffs.
Here’s a breakdown of the matchup and a pick for the winner.
New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals Quick Preview:
- Jets-Bengals Date: Saturday, January 9th
- Jets-Bengals Kickoff Time: 4:30 ET
- Jets-Bengals TV Network: NBC
- Jets-Bengals Announcers: Whoever comprises NBC’s #2 announcing team (my guess, not sure who it is.)
- Jets-Bengals Point Spread: Bengals -2.5 (current as 1/4)
- Jets-Bengals Over-Under Odds: 34
- Jets-Bengals Spread Pick by Jerod: Jets +2.5
Note: The information above is taken from the NFL Playoffs Wild Card round TV schedule, spreads, and picks post from earlier this week. Keep in mind that spread information is from early in the week. For updated spreads and other up-to-the-minute playoff handicapping info, here are some links for your convenience:
- DocSports: NFL Odds | NFL Picks
- DocSports: NFL Playoff Predictions | NFL Playoff Tree | NFL Playoff Brackets | NFL Playoff Schedule
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Jets-Bengals Analysis
The Bengals had no Pro Bowlers. So what? They probably deserved a few and, when you look closely, Cincy has no major weakness.
Cedric Benson eclipsed 1,200 yards in just 13 games and led the Bengals to a top-10 rushing attack. Dynamite cornerback tandem Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall helped the Bengals to the league’s No. 4 defense. Chad Ochocinco even enjoyed a resurgence despite Carson Palmer’s so-so season.
The bottom line is that the Bengals are a solid if unspectacular football team and lack a major chink in the armor to exploit.
The Jets bring plenty to the table as well.
Cincy’s elite run defense has a tall order against the underrated Thomas Jones and the NFL’s No. 1 rushing offense. Gang Green’s big, expensive line knows how to move the chains all day long.
More importantly, head coach Rex Ryan’s arrival paid massive and immediate dividends. Under his guidance, the Jets led the league in total defense, pass defense and scoring defense.
Darrelle Revis is unquestionably the league’s premier shutdown cornerback. He should bottle up Ochocinco if Ochocinco even plays (knee injury in Week 17).
[Editor's note: Chad said that his MRI "went well" and he is expected to play this weekend.]
The key to this matchup is definitely quarterbacking.
Carson Palmer’s best days may be behind him, as multiple injuries over the years have aged his body quickly, but he’s still a veteran quarterback who can handle pressure. He’s also solid at home, having posted 12 touchdown passes versus six interceptions this season.
The Jets counter with rookie Mark Sanchez. After their 3-0 start, fans anointed him “The Sanchize.” However, when the weather got ugly, so did his play.
Sanchez, who had just one year of starting experience in college prior to declaring for the NFL draft, hasn’t shown he can handle cold weather. That shouldn’t be surprising since he played his college ball at USC. In temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit this season, Sanchez threw 13 interceptions and four touchdown passes.
As strong as the Jets are everywhere besides the passing game, they won’t go far this year with an unprepared quarterback. Sanchez could crumble in his first playoff start, especially since he’ll take snaps before a hostile road crowd in chilly Cincinnati.
What do the other contenders have in common this season? Try Manning, Rodgers, Brees, Brady, Rivers, Romo and so on – they almost all have reliable or superstar signal callers. Sanchez isn’t anywhere close to that yet and he’ll be New York’s undoing on Saturday.
Sure, the Jets run the ball like no one else, but how will that help them if they’re down two touchdowns at the half?
Jets-Bengals Spread Pick: Bengals -2.5
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* – Chad Ochocino / Darrelle Revis photo credit: Al Bello/Getty Images via Bleacher Report
