The New York Jets (9-7) got the biggest win of their season, beating the Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) at home.  It was a must-win for the Jets, because if they lost they would be on vacation right now instead of preparing for the first round of the playoffs.  The Jets’ running game did most of the work for the offense, getting 257 yards of the 320 total yards.  Mark Sanchez didn’t have to do much other than hand the ball off and manage the game.  He went 8/16 for 63 yards and did not turn the ball over, so he did his job.  Brad Smith had a career game, rushing for 92 yards and a touchdown on 4 carries, including a 57-yard run.

The Jets’ defense had been great all season, and this game was no different.  Their defense is the reason they are in the playoffs this season and they made a statement in this game.  They held Carson Palmer to 0 yards, on 1/11 passes and they picked him off once.  Those are some pretty pathetic numbers the Jets’ defense forced Palmer into.  They also held the Bengals to 72 yards, although Cedric Benson did sit this one out for the Bengals.  The Bengals were resting some of their starters, but the Jets completely dominated this game and look ready for the playoffs.

It is win or go home for the New York Jets (8-7) on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals (10-5).  If the Jets win then they will make the playoffs, but if they lose they are out.  The Bengals have already clinched their playoff spot, so they may be taking it easy on Sunday and resting some key players.  For the Jets sake, hopefully the Bengals do that.  Either way, the Jets need a solid day from their rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez.  Sanchez has had a lot of ups and downs this season, and if he has one of his down games Sunday then the Jets can kiss their playoff chances goodbye.  All they need Sanchez to do is take care of the ball and manage the game, and it will give the Jets a good chance at winning.  Thomas Jones can handle a lot of the offensive load at running back, but the Bengals do hold opponents to 88 rushing yards per contest so they may need Sanchez to make some plays at quarterback.  He has 20 interceptions this season though, so he needs to be careful.

On defense the Jets need to stay focused no matter who is on the field for the Bengals.  The Bengals may or may not rest their starters, but if they have a lead in the second half I would expect at least some of them to get some rest.  The Jets defense has been very strong all season, but they are going up against some talented offensive players.  Cedric Benson has rushed for 1,251 yards this season and Chad Ochocino is a big threat in the passing game, so if the Jets can contain those two they will most likely win the game.  The Jets need to treat this game like a playoff game, because that is basically what it is for them:  win or go home.  If they play with the determination they should be in a game like this, they should win.

PREDICTION:  New York Jets 27, Cincinnati Bengals 17