NFL: CINCINNATI at NY JETS (8:20 PM ET, NBC)

Cincinnati secured the AFC North title for the first time since ’05, and the Bengals’ resurgence has been one of the most surprising stories of ’09. The story of the ’09 season is still playing out for the Jets, and another chapter, one dealing with the p

2010-01-04

Cincinnati secured the AFC North title for the first time since ’05, and the Bengals’ resurgence has been one of the most surprising stories of ’09. The story of the ’09 season is still playing out for the Jets, and another chapter, one dealing with the playoffs, will be written if they can win this final game at home, thus clinching a wildcard spot. Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have adjusted, and perhaps over-adjusted for the stakes at hand, as they have installed New York as a 10-point favorite, much to the delight of nearly 80% of bettors who instead like the underdog Bengals.

The Bengals are in line to host a playoff game vs. a team TBD, but first will try to head into the postseason on a winning note by beating the Jets. One of the main reasons for Cincinnati’s success has been its ability to win on the road, 4-3 SU & ATS. Prior to ’09, they were just 3-15 in 18 road games. New York saw its postseason hopes improve in the win at Indianapolis, and will be in as a wildcard with a win here. So far at home, the Jets have turned the ball over 19 times in going 3-4 SU & ATS. Their defense is allowing just 15.7 PPG, important since Cincy is on a 0-7 ATS skid vs. teams yielding <=17 PPG.

The peaks and valleys that has been Cincinnati’s regular season culminated on a positive note with an AFC North crown, thanks to a 17-10 win over Kansas City. Even with the funeral of fallen teammate Chris Henry only days earlier, the Bengals were able to focus and make sure a playoff game will come to the Queen City.

A 4-0 mark against archrivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh erased memories of a pitiful 2008, which saw the Bengals win only four games and lose the first eight games of the season. This year, however, has seen the rejuvenation of running back Cedric Benson and the rise of a smothering defense that has kept opposing offenses in check. Plus, quarterback Carson Palmer finally looks comfortable in the pocket and Chad Ochocinco has done most of his talking on the field instead of off of it.

Despite missing two games, the hard-rushing Benson has been a revelation for head coach Marvin Lewis, with 1,251 rushing yards and six touchdowns, and the addition of Larry Johnson helps Benson stay fresh. Cincinnati has lacked a viable rushing attack since Rudi Johnson ran for 4,221 yards and 36 touchdowns in a three-year span from 2004-06, which saw the Bengals make a playoff appearance in ‘05.

As for the Jets, their 29-15 victory over previously undefeated Indianapolis has thrown them back into the postseason hunt after the miserable loss to Atlanta the week before. With Gang Green now controlling its own destiny, a win in this spot will give the Jets their first postseason appearance since 2006, although New York fans have been let down by their team on numerous occasions.

Needless to say, Mark Sanchez has gone through his ups and downs in his rookie campaign, leading Gang Green to a 3-0 start and then recording four games of three or more interceptions. Luckily, Sanchez has been able to rely on the NFL’s top rushing attack led by Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene, who have combined for 1,802 yards and 14 touchdowns.

The stop unit has also been solid for the most part, but late touchdowns in losses to Miami, Jacksonville and the Falcons have raised an eyebrow or two among those who follow the team. Still, the Jets have the league’s top passing defense and have given up only eight passing touchdowns.

PREDICTION: It would be an understatement to say Jets fans have been burned before in situations like this. Other than trying to lock up the AFC’s third seed, Cincinnati may not be as motivated in this spot, yet could still prevail. CINCINNATI 20, N.Y. JETS 16

Latest NFL News

Click here to read latest NFL news