[Capybara]

Pro Football talk noted earlier this morning how Cincinnati can oust the rival Steelers (whom they lost to in their only playoff game in the last 17 years) by losing on Sunday. I'll take it a step further ...

As of this moment, the Jets are the fifth seed, and the Bengals are fourth, so if things remain the same, then the two teams will meet again during wild-card weekend. If Cincy loses Sunday, it's likely that will happen. And there are a few reasons why this scenario is preferable from the Bengals' standpoint.

First, it means playing a rookie quarterback in Round 1, and not, potentially, a division rival (Baltimore or Pittsburgh.) Second, it would allow the Bengals to get a great look at the Jets -- who will be desperate to win that one -- while not showing their own hand. Third, it would probably mean Indy (if the Patriots win too) and not San Diego in Round 2, and in case you don't know, the home of the Colts is about 90 minutes away from the Queen City. Fourth, there's the rest factor, for a team that's been through a lot in a few weeks.

Either way, Cincinnati will go into that game knowing the scenarios, since by the time their prime-timer kicks off, the other 15 games of the day will be done.

[robmpink]

Pro Football talk noted earlier this morning how Cincinnati can oust the rival Steelers (whom they lost to in their only playoff game in the last 17 years) by losing on Sunday. I'll take it a step further ...

As of this moment, the Jets are the fifth seed, and the Bengals are fourth, so if things remain the same, then the two teams will meet again during wild-card weekend. If Cincy loses Sunday, it's likely that will happen. And there are a few reasons why this scenario is preferable from the Bengals' standpoint.

First, it means playing a rookie quarterback in Round 1, and not, potentially, a division rival (Baltimore or Pittsburgh.) Second, it would allow the Bengals to get a great look at the Jets -- who will be desperate to win that one -- while not showing their own hand. Third, it would probably mean Indy (if the Patriots win too) and not San Diego in Round 2, and in case you don't know, the home of the Colts is about 90 minutes away from the Queen City. Fourth, there's the rest factor, for a team that's been through a lot in a few weeks.

Either way, Cincinnati will go into that game knowing the scenarios, since by the time their prime-timer kicks off, the other 15 games of the day will be done.

If the Pats lose and Cincy wins, won't Cincy move up a spot?

[The General]

Isn't the seeding 3/4 still up in air? That means something doesn't it?

[The Seer]

need to wait til the early games are over before betting this one

[DwightShrute]

dont be too sure, Cincy can still grab 3rd best seed in the afc

Jets are not that good and I can see them losing this one.

It's the Sunday Nighter. Wait till all games are done.

Cincinnati 13 New York 9

[LT Profits]

I'd rather finish 4th than 3rd if finishing 4th means drawing Jets in first round. Even beyond that, as crazy as it sounds, I may prefer to play Colts than Chargers right now the way San Diego is playing. At least Colts have had a lot of close wins this year, while Chargers have bludgeoned a lot of people.

[podunk]

bengals lay down

[ezeblazin]

I think it would be hilarious if the Colts and Bengals layed down vs the Jets and then both got ousted by them in the playoffs...

[jsmithj88]

dwight, whos the chick in ur avatar?

[Mr KLC]

Even if the Bengals sit some of their players, I don't trust Sanchez as a lock for a win.

[big joe 1212]

Jets will run all over 2nd string defense. They dont need Sanchez, so he wont be a factor. Sanchez will blow it for them in the first round though!

[alex81]

Regardless of the situation, there's no way in hell I'm laying 10 on the Jets!!!

[pattymayo]

theres really not much of a difference between the 3rd seed and the 4th seed.

[LT Profits]

theres really not much of a difference between the 3rd seed and the 4th seed.

But the Jets are the worst team of all the wild card contenders, so laying down and setting up a rematch makes sense.

[pattymayo]

But the Jets are the worst team of all the wild card contenders, so laying down and setting up a rematch makes sense.

the "worst" team always has the best chance for upsets, especially with a defense like they have. THey banged their way into the playoffs and will be dangerous, as long as Sanchez doesn't throw five picks. If that defense is on they will force turnovers and could stun some teams

[pattymayo]

and it's not like it takes much to figure the Jets out. They run run and run some more. Cincy knows Jets won't let Sanchez blow it for them.

[frostno98]

It's a matter of preference. If Houston wins on Sunday, the Steelers will be eliminated. If Denver beats KC, Cincy will have the option of who they would rather face, since they will be playing the last game of the day. Do the want the Jets or the Broncos who beat them on a fluke TD?

If the Steelers are still alive by the night game, the Bengals will definitely laydown.

[McBa1n]

I don't trust the Bengals laying down. I hate that kinda crap. You gotta play to win.

[DOMINATER]

your right bet the jets

[LT Profits]

I don't trust the Bengals laying down. I hate that kinda crap. You gotta play to win.

Bengals are resting all of their starters, which is a subtle difference from laying down. The players on the field will be giving it their all and playing to win. It's just that it will be second and third stringers vs. Jets starters.

[slacker00]

Bengals are resting all of their starters, which is a subtle difference from laying down. The players on the field will be giving it their all and playing to win. It's just that it will be second and third stringers vs. Jets starters.

Got any good handicapping angles on J.T. O'Sullivan? (He's lucky to be a backup)

Think Jordan Palmer will see any time?

[alwcb]

Im a diehard jets fan and going to the game sunday night. I will not be playing this game. Even if cincy lies down I dont see them winning by 7. Tease it if anything.

[DwightShrute]

dwight, whos the chick in ur avatar?

chics post pics at the website of the best radio station in the world, rock101.com

http://www.rock101.com/Showcase/Hot101/View.aspx?ID=133983

[mcbaseball10]

It's a matter of preference. If Houston wins on Sunday, the Steelers will be eliminated. If Denver beats KC, Cincy will have the option of who they would rather face, since they will be playing the last game of the day. Do the want the Jets or the Broncos who beat them on a fluke TD? If the Steelers are still alive by the night game, the Bengals will definitely laydown.

Who is to say that the Bengals could beat the Jets straight up at New York to begin with? I understand what you are saying, but to say that they have their choice on who they want to play is a bit strong. I think the Jets have something to say about that.
Rest your starters and treat it like an extra week of healing for their minds and bodies.

[Robber]

Cincinnati +10. Even if Cincy rests their starters, the line is too high and will surely come down.

[DwightShrute]

Jets offense sucks.

7-3 Cincy

[DMB40]

On espn.com there is an article with chad johnsons interview with ny media how he has a new celebration and insists that marvin lewis told him they are playing the game to win

[GiveMeaBJ]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=4782365

Those who don't want to do the reading heres the good part:

Ochocinco said he has called coach Marvin Lewis "at least 20 times" to see how much the starters are playing, and insists he told him the Bengals are "playing to win."
"I said, 'OK, you get me excited and try to pull me out of the game, I'm not coming out. I will force you to use every timeout just to get me off the field,' " Ochocinco said. "That's what I plan to do, I'm not coming off the field, period. If Revis is in there, I'm in the game. I'm not coming out."

[wacked]

That's not true.

1. Pittsburgh win + Houston loss or tie + Jets loss or tie OR
2. Pittsburgh win + Houston loss or tie + Baltimore loss or tie OR
3. Pittsburgh win + Jets loss or tie + Baltimore loss or tie + Denver loss or tie

Believe it or not 7 teams have a shot at the 5th and 6th seeds.
Miami - only 1 chance - Jets, Balt, Houston loss and Jax (loss or tie)
Jacksonville - 3 scenarios
Baltimore - Win and in, but other scenarios
Steelers - 3 scenarios (listed above)
Houston - 3 scenarios
Denver -10 scenarios
Jets - Must win to get in

Jets and Baltimore control their own destiny. They both win and it doesn't matter what anyone else does.

It's a matter of preference. If Houston wins on Sunday, the Steelers will be eliminated. If Denver beats KC, Cincy will have the option of who they would rather face, since they will be playing the last game of the day. Do the want the Jets or the Broncos who beat them on a fluke TD?

If the Steelers are still alive by the night game, the Bengals will definitely laydown.

[JMF2479]

cincy prolly not gonna play their starters