Jets Open as 10-point Underdogs vs Bengals

The New York Jets are coming off one of the worst losses in their long history against the New England Patriots on Sunday. They were humiliated in every aspect of the game. Even the Jets’ vaunted defensive line was consistently blown off the ball by the Patriots. It was as dispiriting a loss as you’re likely to see.

The Jets’ opponents this coming Sunday are the Cincinnati Bengals, who went on the road against a very good Baltimore Ravens team and trounced their AFC North rivals. It was a statement game for the Bengals, heralding their arrival as a serious contender.

These two teams couldn’t be going in more different directions. The Bengals are back, riding an excellent defense, one of the best young quarterbacks in the game in Joe Burrow, a plethora of excellent receivers, including the transcendent rookie Ja’Marr Chase, and an excellent running back in Joe Mixon. The Bengals are deep, talented, well balanced and hungry.

In contrast, the Jets look utterly lost, and now they are without their starting quarterback, Zach Wilson, who is likely to miss multiple weeks with a knee injury. A Jets team with Mike White or Josh Johnson under center may well be the worst team in the NFL.

Is there any way the Jets can beat the Bengals on Sunday? Well, sure, but it’s the longest of long shots. Perhaps the Bengals will suffer a letdown after their big victory over the Ravens. Perhaps they will overlook a bad Jets team. Perhaps the Jets will come out breathing fire after their most recent humiliation. Perhaps the lucky bounces will all go the Jets way. Perhaps the Jets will get some favorable calls at home. Perhaps Mike White or Josh Johnson will play the best game of their life. Perhaps a few busted coverages or broken tackles will lead to some big Jets plays. Perhaps the Jets will win the turnover battle in a big way. That’s a lot of perhapses. In short, nearly everything will have to go right for the Jets, and nearly everything will have to go wrong for the Bengals. It could happen. But odds are it won’t.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Bengals are 10 point favorites against the Jets this coming Sunday. That’s a big spread against the home team, but it is hardly unjustified. As long as Mike White or Josh Johnson are under center for the Jets they will have a very tough time beating anyone, much less a top team like the Bengals. It’s gonna be another long, difficult year in East Rutherford.

The Moneyline odds are New York Jets +340 / Cincinnati Bengals -450.

The Over/Under for the game is 43.5.

What do you think Jets fans? Will the Jets beat the odds in this game?