2011 NFL Predictions: New York Jets Worthy Favorites After MNF Loss

The Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) and New York Jets (0-1) are set to square off in Week 2 of the 2011 NFL preseason Sunday night inside New Meadowlands Stadium. Both teams are looking to bounce back from opening week setbacks.

Cincinnati did little to impress anyone in a 34-3 loss to Detroit in its preseason opener, as the team was out-gained by 145 yards as three-point underdogs. The Bengals helped the Lions early by turning the ball over two times and were unable to recover from a 24-3 halftime deficit.

Rookie quarterback Andy Dalton made his first start in a Bengals’ uniform, which ended up being the franchise’s first preseason opening loss by 20 or more points since the 1986 campaign.

Dalton isn’t accustomed to losing, finishing his career at Texas Christian University with a 42-7 career record. He completed 11-of-15 passes for 69 yards and threw a single interception. 

The Bengals trail in the all-time series, 4-3, against the Jets during preseason play and will be meeting in such a contest for the first time since Aug. 10, 2003. Cincinnati was handed a 28-13 defeat in that particular game.

Word around camp is that first-year offensive coordinator Jay Gruden is expecting a more polished performance due having just 10 practices before last week's opener.

Head coach Marvin Lewis is in his ninth season and has posted an even 17-17 record during the preseason. Bettors will be interested in knowing that the longest tenured coach in franchise history is 10-3 ATS (against the spread) when facing losing opponents before the regular season.

New York was handed a 20-16 road loss to the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football and is currently a six-point favorite in this contest. The Jets are 0-2 ATS over the past two years when laying 3.5 to 7 points during exhibition play.

It’s important to note that the franchise has not had a losing preseason since 1996, a streak that spans 14 seasons. The proud mark may be in jeopardy with a loss in this game, as the squad faces the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles in the final two weeks leading up to the regular season opener against Dallas on Sept. 11.

The Jets' offense passed for 251 yards against the Texans, led by rookie quarterback Greg McElroy throwing for 208. 

Starter Mark Sanchez was efficient in connecting on 6-of-7 passes for 43 yards and will have a new target on the field Sunday. Former New York Giants receiver Plaxico Burress is expected to start and will play significant snaps opposite Santonio Holmes. 

The 34-year-old will be attempting to get back into the flow of real-time action after missing two seasons while serving a prison sentence for illegal weapons possession.

Key players that will not be in the huddle offensively are running back Shonn Greene (foot) and wide receiver Derrick Mason (knee).

Bettors will be interested to know that the Jets are 2-0 ATS after playing on Monday Night Football during the preseason, including a 9-3 win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 2 last year.