2009 NFL Playoffs Wildcard: New York Jets at Cincinnati Bengals

The opening game for the NFL playoffs will feature a pair of teams no one expected to be here when the 2009 season began.

The Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) surprised fans by bouncing back from a horrid 2008 season by winning the AFC North division while going 6-0 against division rivals. The New York Jets (9-7) entered the season with a rookie quarterback and head coach.

The New York Jets enter the first round boasting the number one ranked running game in the NFL. During the regular season, the Jets averaged 172.3 yards per game on the ground and had running backs Thomas Jones and Shone Greene rack up over 1942 yards between them.

This running game helped take the pressure off of rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, who had a roller coaster season of success. Sanchez completed 53.8% of his passes for 2,444 yards with 12 touchdowns and 20 interceptions.

The key to a Jets victory will be their ability to win the turnover battle. The Jets own a record of 9-2 when they have a positive or even turnover ratio. On the flip side, the Jets are 0-5 when they turn the ball over more than their opponents.

Despite the 27-0 drubbing the Jets handed to the Cincinnati Bengals during the last game of the regular season, fans should expect a more competitive game from the AFC North champions.

While the Bengals offense has garnered much of the attention during the season, the real focus should be their defensive unit, especially the secondary led by Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph. The two combined for 12 interceptions during the season and were the main reason the team was ranked near the top with the fewest passing touchdowns allowed. If these cornerbacks can shut down the Jets wide receivers, then it could help the front seven and allow them to focus on the running game and pressuring Sanchez.

The match up to watch has to be the Bengals Chad Ochocinco versus the Jets Darrelle Revis. Ochocinco was held in their last meeting without a reception but will be eager to find a weakness in Revis' game.

NFL Fans will see a low scoring playoff game that will be dominated by hard running and several spectacular defensive plays. Look for the road team, the Jets, to continue their momentum by winning a close game and advancing to the second round of the NFL playoffs.

Prediction New York 17 Cincinnati 14

Resources

http://www.nfl.com/

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl