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The Bengals are winless in five games, but their play in a 31-22 loss at Dallas in Week Five was a positive sign, and that elusive win could come before long if they are capable of improving upon that effort. The 2-2 Jets have had moments where they have looked like a playoff contender (witness their better-looking-every-day win at Miami and a 56-point outburst vs. Arizona) and moments where they have struggled, especially in a humbling loss at San Diego.
Bengals offense vs. Jets defense: QB Carson Palmer was able to play with his painful elbow injury in Week Five, but this week the Bengals will start backup Ryan Fitzpatrick over the still-ailing Palmer. When he throws against the Jets' struggling pass defense, look for Fitzpatrick to stay away from CB Darrelle Revis and go after rookie Dwight Lowery. If the Jets can slow Fitzpatrick, they will have the upper hand, as the Bengals’ running game is one of the league’s worst.
Jets offense vs. Bengals defense: QB Brett Favre has transformed the Jets’ passing game from a dink-and-dunk attack to one that can stretch the field. However, he’s still getting comfortable in his new offense, and he has always been prone to taking chances. So, if the Bengals can provide some pass-rush pressure and disguise their coverages well, they will have a chance to force some turnovers. However, this game could come down to the battle of the Jets’ running game vs. the Bengals’ run defense. Neither team excels in this area, but the club that takes a step forward in this aspect of the game may earn a decisive advantage.
Special teams: The Jets have made a change at punter, releasing Ben Graham for the second time this season and replacing him with Reggie Hodges. Jets RS Leon Washington is one of the most dangerous performers at his position in the league. The Bengals are getting more out of KR Glenn Holt (27.1-yard average, long of 60) and PR Antonio Chatman (10.1-yard average, long of 34) than they did a season ago. PK Shayne Graham and P Kyle Larson are solid.
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