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The Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets, playoff hopefuls each looking to build off last year’s double-digit win campaign, meet in their 2016 regular season opener Sunday afternoon at MetLife Stadium.
Here’s a complete look at all the betting info you need to know, as well as a prediction for the outcome of the compelling Week 1 contest:
Bengals vs. Jets Week 1 Betting Info
Note: All odds and numbers courtesy of OddsShark.com and are updated as of September 10
Spread: CIN (-2.5)
Betting Percentages: 67 percent on CIN (-2.5)
Over/Under: 41.5
Betting Percentages: 57 percent on Over 41.5
Prediction
It’s interesting seeing such a large chunk of the bets favoring Cincinnati. Not only are the Bengals without several offensive weapons from last year–Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu departed in free agency, tight end Tyler Eifert is out–but the Jets are at home, where they went 6-2 last year.
Throw in the Jets’ elite run defense, and it wouldn’t at all be surprising if Cincy’s offense is a bit slow out of the gate.
On the other side of the ball, the Jets may also find it difficult to move the ball on the ground, but Ryan Fitzpatrick has a number of options in the passing game, from elite wide receiver duo Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, to pass-catching specialist RB Bilal Powell to offseason signing Matt Forte.
The Bengals, meanwhile, lost saftey Reggie Nelson and slot corner Leon Hall to free agency, linebacker Vontaze Burfict is out due to suspension, and cornerback Darqueze Dennard is doubtful.
Add it all up, and it’s a lot of missing pieces for Cincy, and an advantage for the Jets at home.
Prediction: Jets 24, Bengals 17 (Jets straight up, Jets against the spread, Under 41.5)