Bengals vs Jets: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Prediction

The NFL regular season is finally here as it kicks off with Bengals vs Jets. Which means it’s time to break down Week 1 for both teams looking to start off the year with a win.

Dec 13, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) celebrates with wide receiver A.J. Green (18) after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

There have been months and months of anticipation for the upcoming season as now it’s time for the start of the year which kicks off with this Bengals vs Jets matchup. Especially considering how the New York Jets ended their 2015 season against the Buffalo Bills.

The Jets have known their opponent since late April and they’re quite familiar with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Jets lead the regular season series 15 to 8 and the postseason series two to nothing.

The Bengals are the defending AFC North champions and they also saw their season end up in flames. They’ll be looking for redemption as they start the 2016 season with a slew of injuries to deal with.

All season long we’ll be breaking down the strengths, weaknesses, and predictions for every opponent the Jets face. With that being said let’s start out with the Bengals’ strengths heading into this game.

Aug 24, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws a pass after being hit by Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Josh Shaw (26) as Geno Atkins (97) tries to block the pass during the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

What are the Bengals’ strengths?

The easy answer to this question is their talented roster on both sides of the football. You’ve got wide receiver A.J. Green on the offensive side and on defense it’s headlined by defensive tackle Geno Atkins.

Last season, the Bengals ranked in the top-10 in sacks and ranked third overall in interceptions with 21. This Bengals’ defense can get after the quarterback and can wreak havoc by forcing turnovers.

The Jets last season had a (+6) turnover differential which ranked sixth best in the NFL, but they’re going to be challenged Week 1. Plus going back to the offensive side of the football, the Bengals have a stout rushing attack with Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard.

The defense and offense of the Jets will have their work cut out for them, but winning this game won’t be impossible. Next, we’ll discuss some of the weaknesses of the Bengals’ roster heading into Week 1.

Nov 1, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (85) is brought down by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Robert Golden (21) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Bengals won the game 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

What are the Bengals’ weaknesses?

The biggest thing for the Bengals heading into this game is the injury report. They’ll be without their Pro Bowl tight end, Tyler Eifert for the first quarter of the season.

While on the defensive side of the football the Bengals’ secondary won’t be operating at full capacity. Cornerback Darqueze Dennard is battling an ankle injury and the team’s first-round pick cornerback William Jackson III is out for the season.

Which should benefit the Jets greatly considering the Bengals ranked 20th in pass yards allowed last season. The Jets will look to implement both Matt Forte and Bilal Powell in the running game, but the passing game will be key.

The Jets will probably look to attack the Bengals through the air because of the injuries. Also, the Bengals have one of the better run defenses in the league which could sway the Jets’ offensive philosophy.

Sep 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles during the second half Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 14-6. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Final Prediction

The Jets have won every season opener since 2010, which they lost in prime-time to the Baltimore Ravens. Can that streak continue this year?

Well, it’s not going to be easy for the Jets because the Bengals are a perennial playoff contender in the AFC. They have a talented quarterback in Andy Dalton who has been magnificent throughout the regular season.

The Jets are entering the second year in the system on both offense and defense and should flow better this season. The Jets have a talented cast of crew and characters on both offense and defense and they’ll be pushing for the playoffs as well.

Ultimately the Jets will keep the streak alive as they beat a talented Bengals at MetLife Stadium in front of the home crowd. While the main reason for that will be quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and this passing attack having a great day.

Final Score: Jets 27, Bengals 17