Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Jets Matchup Preview (10/31/21): Betting Odds, Depth Charts, Live Stream (Watch Online)

Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Jets Matchup Preview (10/31/21)

There was a time when I (and many others) thought the Cincinnati Bengals would be an absolute disaster this season. With almost no O-line strength and a QB coming off an ACL injury, I expected the team to be in the cellar of the AFC North, if not the entire league. Head coach Zac Taylor came into the season with an incredibly hot seat, but a 5-2 start that makes them the No. 1 seed in the AFC if the playoffs started today has quieted any calls for his dismissal. A 41-17 blowout of the surging Baltimore Ravens was just what the doctor ordered, and the team will want to keep to wheels moving to emerge as surprise AFC North champions.

The New York Jets, on the other hand, have been, well, very New York Jets-ey. If that makes any sense. The team currently sits at 1-5, with their lone win in overtime over the Tennesee Titans. Outside of that game, they’ve been blown out numerous times, with the highlight (lowlight?) being a 26-0 shutout loss to the Denver Broncos. A 54-13 thumping by the New England Patriots just made things worse, as the team’s also lost rookie QB Zach Taylor for a few weeks. There weren’t high expectations for head coach Robert Saleh’s first year, but things sure are starting to look bleak for the Jets. The team will host the suddenly competitive Bengals at MetLife Stadium this Sunday. Here’s what you should expect.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Jets Betting Odds

The Bengals are cruising right now, and bettors are starting to finally realize it. The team is 4-2-1 against the spread, and they’re built to win right now. The offense and all its young stars might get the headlines, but the defense has been especially impressive thus far. They’re coming off a major steamrolling of one of the best teams in the league, and it looks like Zac Taylor’s master plan is finally coming together. 

The Jets, on the other hand, are probably already looking forward to next season. The team was hoping that QB Zach Wilson would turn things around, but a PCL injury will keep him on the sideline for a few weeks. Neither the offense nor the defense is contributing much right now, and head coach Robert Saleh is finding out just how difficult a major rebuild can be. I’m expecting another major blowout for the Bengals, as the Jets attempt to survive a few weeks without their quarterback of the future. Lay the points with Cincy as the team continues to impress.

My predictions: Bengals win 30-10, Bengals -10.5, under 43 total points

TV Schedule

Date: Sunday, October 31
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Location: MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, NJ
TV Coverage: CBS

Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Jets Live Stream

Where can you watch Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Jets online? You can stream this game, and many other NFL games live online with Hulu. Hulu has a 7 Day free trial and is cheaper than cable options at $5.99/month. Watch Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Jets Free Online Now.

Injuries

Cincinnati Bengals: DT Tyler Shelvin (illness) Q, RB Chris Evans (hamstring) Q, CB Trae Waynes (hamstring) IR, DE Khalid Kareem (shoulder) IR, G Hakeem Adeniji (pectoral) O
New York Jets: LB Blake Cashman (shoulder) IR, LB C.J. Mosley (hamstring) Q, TE Tyler Kroft (back) Q, RB Tevin Coleman (hamstring) Q, QB Zach Wilson (PCL) O, LB Quincy Williams (concussion) Q, RB Ty Johnson (concussion) Q, LB Jarrad Davis (ankle) IR

Cincinnati Bengals Analysis

As I said earlier, I’ve been quite impressed by this Bengals squad. The team is playing at a high level right now, and I don’t see them slowing down this week. QB Joe Burrow has had a major comeback from his devastating knee injury, throwing for three touchdowns in three different games this season. In fact, the passer doesn’t have a single game this season with fewer than two TDs. This is going to keep the team in games week in and week out. 

Of course, Burrow’s young supporting cast has been a major factor in the team’s success. Rookie wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is making his case for Rookie of the Year, with 754 receiving yards and six TDs so far this season. He’s averaging an incredible 21.5 yards per catch on the season and will be a consistent threat to opposing defenses. Running back Joe Mixon completes this “Big 3,” averaging 77 yards per game and finding the end zone four times. When these three are together, they’ll put up some points.

Meanwhile, the Cincinnati defense has been stingier than I expected this season, allowing 339.9 yards per game and just 18.3 points. Two players have been standing out especially: LB Logan Wilson and DE Trey Hendrickson. Wilson has totaled 60 tackles, four picks, and a sack so far this year, while Hendrickson leads the team with 6.5 sacks. If the defense keeps this up and the offense keeps putting up points, Cincy could very well stay atop the AFC North as the season progresses.

Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart

QB: Joe Burrow
RB1: Joe Mixon
RB2: Samaje Perine
WR1: Tyler Boyd
WR2: Ja’Marr Chase
WR3: Tee Higgins
TE1: C.J. Uzomah

New York Jets Analysis

I’m starting to think those warm fuzzy feelings the Jets had after being the Titans are long gone. Since that overtime victory, the team has been outscored 81-33. And now, with QB Zach Wilson out with a PCL injury, the team just got a bit less talented. The team tried to patch up this loss by trading for veteran passer Joe Flacco. No comment. In the meantime, QB Mike White will get the start with 32 total attempts in his career. I’m pretty sure even Fireman Ed in his prime couldn’t get pumped up for this situation. 

The offense as a whole is ranked just outside of the bottom slot thanks to the lifeless Chicago Bears. New York is gaining just 272.3 yards per game alongside 13.3 points. The lone highlight has been WR Corey Davis, who has 349 yards and four scores on the year. Outside of that, the receiving corps and running backs have all put up sub-par numbers, and that’s likely not going to get any better this week. 

The defense, at the very least, isn’t in the bottom five in the NFL. However, they’re still allowing 402.5 yards and 29.2 yards per game. Worst of all? The team hasn’t recorded a single interception so far this season. In a division with Josh Allen, along with other developing young passers, that’s not going to cut it. Maybe I’ll have more positive things to say next time I take a look at this team, but I’m tapping out for now.

New York Jets Depth Chart

QB: Joe Flacco
RB1: Michael Carter
RB2: Ty Johnson
WR1: Corey Davis
WR2: Elijah Moore
WR3: Jameison Crowder
TE1: Ryan Griffin

Cincinnati Bengals vs. New York Jets Daily Fantasy Picks

I could make the case for any of Joe Burrow’s top receivers here. Ja’Marr Chase is currently $7,500 on DraftKings, which is $600 cheaper than Stefon Diggs despite Chase performing better so far. Or, if you’re looking to save on cap room, take a look at Tyler Boyd at $4,800 or Tee Higgins at $5,200. Joe Burrow’s going to keep on cooking, especially against a lousy Jets defense, so pick the receiver that fits your cap needs for this week.