A year ago, this matchup might’ve been one between bottom-feeders. But in explosive fashion, the Cincinnati Bengals have taken the AFC North by surprise. They’re 5-2 and leading the division after a blowout in Baltimore, and they’ll look to keep rolling against the Jets. Here’s all the information you need to know for the Bengals vs. Jets matchup, including NFL odds, channel options, and a game prediction.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Jets prediction and odds | Week 8
[bet-promo id=”149453″]- Spread: CIN -8.5
- Moneyline: CIN -400, NYJ +300
- Over/Under: 44
Odds from DraftKings sportsbook
The Bengals have been accepted as new members of the NFL’s “Over .500” club — and it doesn’t look like they’re leaving any time soon. They’re up to 5-2 now after beating the Ravens in Week 7, and they’ve established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the AFC playoff race. Ja’Marr Chase is already a star, and the defense is surprisingly proactive in generating turnovers.
The same can’t be said for New York. The Jets are 1-5 and have lost two straight since notching their only win against the Titans. New York also lost Zach Wilson to a sprained PCL in their Week 7 loss against the New England Patriots. In Wilson’s absence, Mike White tossed 2 interceptions, so he likely isn’t an upgrade over the maligned rookie signal-caller.
The opening line of -8.5 in Cincinnati’s favor almost seems too generous, but the projected point total of 44 is fair. Against New York’s young, injury-ridden defense, the Bengals should be able to put up some points. The total, however, will be counteracted by the Jets’ fairly inconsistent offense.
Depending on how injuries progress throughout the week, the spread could move even further in Cincinnati’s favor. We saw a few abnormally large spreads this past week, and this game has that kind of feel early on.
Bengals vs. Jets prediction
As much as we want to analyze this one, it feels like there’s only so much analysis that can be done. The Jets and Bengals are two teams clearly at different levels of their respective rebuilds.
The Bengals and Zac Taylor have come a long way since drafting Joe Burrow first overall in 2020. They’ve built a respectable team around Burrow and have fueled their offensive rise with an electric supporting cast. The Jets, meanwhile, are at the very start of what looks to be a multi-year restructuring. There were always going to be lumps taken in Year 1 of the Robert Saleh era, but New York has been even less competitive than expected. Injuries, of course, have made an impact.
If there’s any solace for the Jets, it’s that this will be their third true home game of the year. However, that home-field advantage didn’t help New York when they lost 25-6 to the Patriots earlier in the year. Their lone win against Tennessee came at home, but the Titans were missing most of their weaponry in the passing game. The Bengals are locked and loaded and could do damage against this Jets team.
Are there any potential mismatches in the Jets’ favor?
If there is a potential mismatch that favors the Jets, it’s along the interior defensive line. Quinnen Williams and John Franklin-Myers have both been excellent this year on the inside, and Sheldon Rankins and Shaq Lawson have provided rotational value as well. There’s also breakout starter Bryce Huff on the edge, who’s provided the group with a necessary complement.
The Bengals’ offensive line has been noticeably improved in 2021, but the interior does still has its warts. Center Trey Hopkins is only an average starter, and rookie right guard Jackson Carman, while solid, has been prone to occasional learning moments. Quinton Spain has been an underrated starter at left guard, but the Jets may still have a slight advantage.
Getting quick pressure on Burrow might be the only way the Jets put up a fight on defense. The Bengals have too many weapons for New York’s undermanned secondary to deal with. Right now, I think the interior line only makes a modest difference. Cincinnati may have a few hiccups, but they’ll still do enough to comfortably beat Saleh’s squad.
Bengals vs. Jets game prediction: Bengals 34, Jets 16
How to watch and listen to Bengals vs. Jets this week
- Start time: 1 PM ET
- Channel: CBS
- Live stream:
- Hulu + Live TV
- fuboTV
- YouTube TV
- Paramount Plus
- DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket
- NFL Mobile App
- Listen:
- Sirius XM Radio