Saturday NFL Betting – Will Sanchez & The Jets Get It Done?
One of three rematches from Week 17. The Jets dominated the Bengals in that one, winning by a score of 37-0. Of course, the Bengals played their scrubs in that one and the score is not indicative to Cincinnati’s chances this Saturday. The Jets enter the playoffs with the leagues number one rated rushing attack and number one rated overall defense.
VIEW OUR TOP CAPPERS PICKS FOR THIS WEEK’S FOOTBALL MATCHUPS —–>
Time: Saturday, January 9th – Cincinnati – 4:30 PM ET
Venue: Paul Brown Stadium
Jets vs. Bengals Football Lines
MoneyLine: Jets +110 / Bengals -130
Spread: Bengals -2.5
Over/Under: 34
Good numbers to own, but the Jets still don’t look like they belong in the postseason. The Bengals are the surprise winners of the AFC North, winning games with a staunch defense and the rejuvenated career of Cedric Benson. Both teams have similar game-plans, but it was Cincinnati, not New York, that went 4-0 against Baltimore and Pittsburgh during the season.
What The Jets Have To Do To Win
The Jets were lucky to make the playoffs, winning their final two games against Junior Varsity versions of the Bengals and Colts. But despite all that, the numbers don’t seem to lie. First in defense and first in rushing is a good combination in the playoffs. The Jets wildcard is rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez. The “Sanchize” was used sporadically in the final weeks of the season because of his penchant to throw interceptions. That being said, he will eventually have to throw the ball against the Bengals, and he’ll need to be smart about it or else the Jets will have no chance.
The running and defense will be fine; Sanchez’s arm will lead New York to either victory or defeat.
What The Bengals Have To Do To Win
The Bengals haven’t won a playoff game since 1990 when they beat the Houston Oilers (remember them?) 41-14 in the first round. The Bengals will do everything they end that dubious streak, and it starts with their offense. Playing against the league’s number one defense is never an easy task, but when that defense is sporting a 9-7 record, you know it has the ability to be beaten. That’s where Chad Ochocinco comes in. Ochocinco twisted his knee is last week’s practice, but he has stated he is good to go on Saturday. This is the game when Ochocinco can prove he is back to being as good as he was a couple years ago. His fans are entertained by his Twitter account, but Tweets don’t equal Bengal wins. A big game against the Jets star cornerback Darrelle Revis will go a long way in determining a Bengal victory.
Outlook & Pick
There should always be a bit of hesitation before picking a rookie quarterback to win a game. That hesitation grows bigger when said quarterback is on the road. The hesitation is enormous when that road game is in the playoffs. That’s where the Jets stand right now. Sanchez has never played in the kind of hostile environment he is sure to face this Saturday in Cincinnati. Sure, there’s a chance he can overcome, but it’s unlikely. The Bengals are a great looking team and the Jets are throwing out a rookie quarterback and rookie head coach against them. Not a good combination, even with the Jets other statistical feats.
NFL Point Spread Pick: Cincinnati -2.5 & under 34
Prop Betting: Team To Score First And Score In First Six Minutes
Both teams are going to go to the run early and try to win the early clock management battles. The Jets will keep the ball out of the hands of Sanchez as long as possible. The Bengals have no such concerns with their quarterback.
Prop Betting Pick: Cincinnati Will Score First, Score In First Six Minutes
GRAB A 45% Deposit Bonus at JustBet.com Today. Deposit a minimum amount of $100 , maximum $2500 and get a 45% Free-Play. CLICK HERE NOW!
Dave Golokhov has written for BETUS Sportsbook, Sportsfanmagazine.com, FOX, Askmen.com, Sports-central.org, and the FOXSports.com Funhouse.
