Bengals (5-2) at Jets (1-5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
TV: CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: Bengals by 8 ⁄2
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Bengals’ keys to victory: QB Joe Burrow and Cincinnati should make it a point to get WR Ja’Marr Chase involved early. The Jets have a young cornerback group, and there’s a chance S Marcus Maye is traded by the time this game is played. Either way, the Bengals should look to pick apart that secondary with Chase and Tyler Boyd. This game could also give TE C.J. Uzomah an opportunity to find the end zone again if the Jets are still without LB C.J. Mosley, who missed New York’s Week 7 matchup with a hamstring injury.
Jets’ keys to victory: After QB Zach Wilson suffered a knee injury in Week 7 against the Patriots, New York will most likely turn to backup Mike White. White looked slow playing at an NFL speed for the first time, but the Bengals’ defense has been susceptible to the pass. Cincinnati has one of the better rushing defenses in the league, and the New York backfield – led by Michael Carter and Ty Johnson – has been inconsistent. White must try to attack an average secondary.
Matchup to watch: Bengals’ Chase vs. Jets CB Bryce Hall. Chase, a rookie, and Hall, a second-year player, are having strong overall seasons. This should be a fun matchup and will provide a strong indication of where both players are truly at early in their careers.
Who wins? Both teams are young, but Cincy appears further along and possesses more firepower. Look for them to spoil the Jets’ first home game since Week 5.
Bengals, 28-17