The winless New York Jets head to Cincinnati this Sunday to take on a familiar face in Joe Flacco and the Bengals. A Jet from 2020-2022, Flacco started 8 games for Gang Green, going 1-8 while throwing 14 touchdowns to six interceptions. Now a Bengal after starting the season with the Browns, will the Jets get win number one? Here are some key matchups and a few thoughts to go with them.
Jets CB1 vs Ja’Marr Chase: We’re saying “CB1” here because Sauce Gardner is on the injury report with a concussion and may not play. If that’s the case, this game may get out of hand in a hurry. Even with Brandon Stephens playing much better of late, he’s no match for Chase who had 16 catches on 23 targets for 161 yards and a touchdown.
LT Olu Fashanu vs Edge Trey Hendrickson: Hendrickson is nursing a sore hip but was just limited in practice so should be a go on Sunday. Fashanu had some hiccups early in the year in pass pro, giving up a ton of pressures, but he looks to have cleaned that up of late.
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OG John Simpson vs DT TJ Slaton: Simpson should be looking to atone for a sloppy game last week in which he was pulled for a series after committing multiple penalties. After a fantastic debut season with the Jets last year, Simpson has taken a bit of a step backwards this year and this week could be a chance for him to get things turned around.
Jets CB2 vs Tee Higgins: Again, if Gardner can’t go, it’s likely going to be rookie Azareye’h Thomas on Higgins who might be the guy Joe Flacco loads up on targets this week. Thomas has flashed in limited action, but a full afternoon against Higgins is a challenge for most established veterans.
Prediction:
Bengals: 27
Jets: 9
With Garrett Wilson unlikely to play, we expect another sluggish day from a Jets offense that hasn’t scored a touchdown since week five. We will say though, this is the week to look for Gang Green’s defense to get their first interception of the season.
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