New York Jets must come out firing against the Cincinnati Bengals

The New York Jets are fresh off a dominant victory over the Oakland Raiders in which they improved their winning streak to three games. But to continue their winning ways, they must come out firing this week.

The New York Jets extended their winning streak to three games after their dominating 34-3 win over the Oakland Raiders. Will their winning streak continue?

It was reasonable to question how much mid-season improvement the Jets really showed by beating the lowly Washington Redskins and New York Giants. However, last Sunday’s performance proved that the Jets have, in fact, made progress.

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Entering Week 12, the Raiders were 6-4 with a three-game winning streak and held one of the AFC’s two wild-card spots. The Jets demolished them by a final score of 34-3.

Less than a month ago, the Jets fell to 1-7 after losing to the previously winless Miami Dolphins. The Jets went from rock bottom to now having everyone expecting them to defeat the winless Cincinnati Bengals.

Due to their 0-11 record, the Bengals are viewed as an “easy game”. The Jets had that same reputation a few weeks ago — if they still don’t currently have it. Because of that, the Jets can’t underestimate the opponent that stands in front of them.

The Bengals have been competitive over the past couple of weeks.  They are coming off of narrow losses against the Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers — two teams that are currently fighting for a playoff spot.

Since the Bengals have come close to snatching their first win, they may view a home game against a 4-7 Jets team as a winnable game.

Starting strong has not been a problem for the Jets. Entering their Week 12 matchup against the Raiders, the Jets had scored a touchdown on their opening drive in four consecutive games.

That streak would have reached five if not for a penalty on reserve tight end Daniel Brown that called back a touchdown. The Jets can not afford to come out flat or play down to their competition this Sunday.

If they start the way they have been and establish consistency early on, then they should walk out of Cincinnati with their fourth victory in a row.