The Cincinnati Bengals looked like Super Bowl contenders a season ago before an injury to quarterback Andy Dalton torpedoed those chances. Dalton is back healthy and the Bengals return the core of last year’s impressive squad, and they will hope to begin quickly in Week 1 of the regular season against the New York Jets. Cincinnati is the road favorite based on its stronger roster.
Watch this regular season Week 1 matchup live on Sunday, September 11, 2016, at 1 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Bengals -2.5
Jets +2.5
Over/Under 42
Odds Analysis
The Jets were almost a playoff team last year and get this one at home, so there’s plenty of reason to choose them as home underdogs, but the masses are backing the Bengals to cover at nearly an 80 percent clip.
The “under” is getting the most action on the scoring total as both defenses are strong. The Jets’ +125 money line is enticing to gamblers as almost 70 percent of the bets are going to them when it comes to the straight-up victory.
Injury Report
William Jackson III -- The Bengals chose the cornerback early in the draft to help fortify the secondary, but Jackson III has a torn pectoral muscle and is expected to miss most of the season.
Vontaze Burfict -- The talented but mercurial inside linebacker was handed a three-game suspension for his latest issue, a malicious hit on Steelers wideout Antonio Brown in last season’s playoffs. Burfict is a big piece when on the field but he has dealt with his share of controversy throughout his career.
Tyler Eifert -- The Bengals’ tight end had a breakout season in 2015 but has been bother by an ankle injury and it doesn’t seem like he will be available for this one. It takes away a proven weapon from Dalton.
Sheldon Richardson -- The Jets will also be without a key defensive player, as their star defensive tackle will miss one game after being suspended by the NFL for violating its personal conduct policy. New York still has an impressive defensive line but it loses some luster without Richardson in the fold.
Matchup to Watch
Darrelle Revis vs. A.J. Green -- The Bengals lost both Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu in free agency, and the expected absence of Eifert leaves them very short on experience heading into this matchup.
A.J. Green is a perennial Pro Bowler and one of the best wideouts in the league. There seems little doubt Dalton will look to him often to move the ball through the air without any other proven weapons.
The onus is on Revis to slow down Green. Revis used to be the best cornerback in the NFL, and while he’s slowed down a little bit as he has advanced in age, Revis is still very good. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him track Green all around the field in this one, and whichever player gets the upper hand in this matchup will give his team a big boost.
Free ATS Pick
There are certainly questions about the Bengals’ aerial attack, but they boast a great defense and a running game that is strong behind Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard. Dalton is back in control and should have the team playing at a high level again.
The Jets are no pushover, as quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick returns to lead an offense that made big strides last season. Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker are proven pass-catchers, while Matt Forte has been added to start at running back.
If the Jets can stop the Bengals’ passing game, then the defensive line can really get to work and stuff the run as well as pressure Dalton. However, Dalton and Green have great chemistry, and the other wide receivers are ready to show there isn’t as much of a dropoff as expected.
The Bengals are a Super Bowl contender and will prove that in Week 1 with an impressive road win over a Jets team which has designs of making the playoffs this season. The scoring total is nicely placed and the “under” could squeak away with the payout.
NFL Odds: Bengals 24, Jets 17
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