PRO FOOTBALL — January 9

N.Y. JETS at CINCINNATI
(Bengals -2.5, Total 34) — [private] At numerous times this year, and especially lately, Rex Ryan, coach of the jets, has stated that his team is built for exactly these circumstances, when the weather is cold and there is much at stake in the playoffs. Yes, his team plays defense (14.8 ppg against, best in the NFL) and runs the football (tops in the league as well). But on offense, you are looking at a one-dimensional team, unlike the Bengals, who may not be dynamic but are better-balanced, with Chad Ochocinco complemented by Laveranues Coles (43 catches, 514 yards) and Andre Caldwell (51 catches, 432 yards). Most importantly, the Bengals will have their emerging runner, Cedric Benson (1251 yards) back after sitting out last weekend.

Last Sunday’s 37-0 win over Cincinnati at the Meadowlands must give the Jets some confidence heading into this one. On the other hand, ask Marvin Lewis, off the record, why he thinks his team would have a chance to win this game, and he would tell you that last week’s game doesn’t count much because his team went into the tank. There are advantages to that, of course, namely that they saw some of what the jets have in the playbook while they didn’t have to show anything to the Jets. In effect, they have had two weeks to prepare for their playoff opponent because they have had the unique opportunity to PICK their first playoff opponent. That’s probably worth something, because it is otherwise impossible in the post-season. Now, you have to understand that the Bengals did not close things out with a head of steam, covering just one of their last seven games and not once as a favorite (the dog was 13-3 ATS in their games). But at this number, we’re not sure it’s necessarily very wise to go with a rookie quarterback (Mark Sanchez) who had 20 interceptions to go with just 12 TD’s, and completed just 52% of his passes on the road, with just over eleven completions a game. That is the kind of signal-caller, making his first post-season start, who cries out for a nine-man front, so that if the Jets are going to win the game, Cincinnati will make HIM do it.

One can not help but feel that the Jets are here on a wing and a prayer, with both Indianapolis and Cincinnati laying down to pave the way. Understand, though, that while the Colts did it because they were gutless, Cincy did it for a reason – to get to Sanchez. An impressionable quarterback is likely to be surprised by a completely different defensive approach taken by Cincinnati this week. The Jets convert only 37% of third-down chances – that won’t get it done.

THE PLAY: CINCINNATI -2.5 ***

(All information is for news matter only; All games are graded on a scale of 1-4 stars. Lines are subject to change)
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