Wild Card: Jets v. Bengals

The Jets travel into Cincinnati as the underdog in a rematch of a week 17 match-up.  However, little will be the same in this game as the Bengals will come into it with a lot more to play for.  Just two weeks after being written off by Jets head coach Rex Ryan the team somehow stumbled themselves into a playoff berth.  This game will feature two teams which will employ very similar strategies.  Both teams will look to utilize their strong running attacks and great defenses.  The Jets come into this game with the league's #1 ranked defense and the #1 ranked rushing offense.

What to watch for...

• Brian Schottenheimer's play calling will be huge in this game.  Schotty needs to keep the offense out of Sanchez's hands and only force him to throw when it is necessary.  I really like what he has done in the past few weeks with Brad Smith lining up in a wildcat/option formation.  This seemed to catch the Bengals off guard last week and the Jets may be able to run a similar formation successfully this week.  The key to this game on offense is establishing the run.  If the Jets can get a running game going they will be extremely difficult to stop.

• Will David Harris play?  Harris was the Jets leading tackler and was a strong consideration for the pro bowl.  (should have made it)  However, he got injured late in the first half last week and hasn't been able to fully practice all week.  If Harris can't play it is going to open up a huge gap at the middle linebacker position.

• How will the Bengals respond?  After a 37-0 drubbing last week at the Meadowlands it will be interesting to see how the Bengals respond.  They couldn't get anything going in Week 17 and this should fuel the Jets confidence.

Who to watch for..

• Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene will anchor the Jets running attack and are the only hope of the Jets establishing a good offensive rhythm.  Look for Jones to get around 25 carries today with Greene getting around 10 as the Jets look to keep the ball out of Sanchez's hands and not forcing him to make plays until it is necessary.  One thing to watch for is whether Greene can hold onto the ball.  He runs harder than any running back I have seen since Jamal Lewis but he also has fumbling problems.  Turnovers for the Jets will kill any chance they have of winning this game.

• Darelle Revis will once again be tasked with shutting down an elite receiver when Chad Ochocinco/Johnson lines up opposite of him.  Ocho was shut down last week and held to no catches by Revis.  Look for Revis to continue doing what he has done all year, shutting down top receivers.  

• The offensive line will have to continue their efforts from last week in order to open up holes for Jones and Greene as well as for giving Sanchez time to throw.  If the running game can be established early it will help out Sanchez and put him in situations where he doesn't have to make the difficult throw.

Here we go, it seems like it has been forever since we have watched a Jets playoff game but we are finally getting one tonight.  The Jets come into this game as underdogs with a great chance to upset the Bengals.

Game Prediction:
Jets-16
Bengals- 13