A lot of sports handicapping experts saw this coming but we'll have to see if the results are any different. Three matchups we saw in Week 17 will be replayed the Wild Card round of the playoffs and the general hope is that the games are a lot more competitive.
The Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets played in East Rutherford last week, which resulted in a 37-0 victory for the Jets. Granted, the Jets were playing for their playoff lives while the Bengals had little to gain.
It's tough to beat a team two weeks in a row and with this game coming in Cincinnati, the Bengals should have some serious revenge in mind.
Storylines: The Jets
Just three weeks ago, head coach Rex Ryan thought his Jets had been eliminated from the playoffs. Now after facing two teams that handed the Jets wins, they are in the playoffs facing a team they stomped 37-0 last week.
Sports wagering cappers are skeptical of the Jets because they have a rookie quarterback leading the way and because they were handed wins – they didn't earn them – to make the playoffs. They may have the best defense in the playoffs, though, so they could be dangerous.
Storylines: The Bengals
The Bengals stumbled their way into the playoffs, losing three of their last four games, but you have to give them credit considering they won the AFC North.
Those three losses were on the road and when you consider that the Bengals have won five straight at home, you have to like their chances this week.
Matchup
This will be an excellent matchup of the Jets quality running game against the Bengals stellar rush defense.
The Jets have the top-ranked rushing offense in the NFL while the Bengals, even after getting gashed last week, have the seventh-best rush defense.
Internet betting sharps have to figure that the Jets running game won't be enough this week – especially on the road – so Mark Sanchez will have to make some plays.
When you break it down, the Bengals have revenge, home-field advantage and the better quarterback on their side. While their playoff journey doesn't project to be a long one, a win over the Jets should come since they are the better team. This will be a tight contest but the scales tip slightly to the Bengals favor.
Bookmaker Reviews Pick: Bengals -2.5
