Key Highlights
- Cincinnati Bengals prepare for a game against the Jets with an uncertain quarterback.
- Joe Flacco aims to secure his first three-game stretch without an interception since 2019.
- Tee Higgins looks to extend his streak of eight consecutive touchdowns in Paycor games.
- Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Flacco have developed a strong chemistry with 23 targets from the quarterback to the wide receiver.
The Battle for the Bengals’ Bye Week
The Cincinnati Bengals are on a mission to secure their third win of the season against the Jets at Paycor Stadium. The game is set for Sunday, October 24, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 PM. While the Bengals have faced seven different quarterbacks over the last seven games, they remain confident in their ability to handle this challenge.
Quarterback Joe Flacco, who previously played for the Jets but is now with Cincinnati, is looking to extend his streak of mistake-free performances. He has been interception-free since joining the Bengals and aims to achieve his first three-game stretch without an interception since he was a starter with the Denver Broncos in 2019.
Flacco’s Impact on Chase
In recent weeks, Flacco has shown impressive consistency, leading the league in passing yards over the last two games. He has also posted second in completions and attempts. His relationship with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has been particularly notable, as Flacco targeted Chase 23 times against the Steelers, tying for third most since 1978.
Chase believes that working with Flacco is helping him improve his game. “I think he just keeps amazing me,” Chase said this week. “He keeps continuing to amaze me every day, every week.
Everything he does. Just the way he approaches the game.” This chemistry has resulted in Chase having at least 10 catches in back-to-back games for the first time in his career.
The Bengals’ Defensive Streak
Despite facing a Jets team without its top three players, the Bengals’ defense is ready to tackle the challenge. Cornerback Sauce Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson are out, while defensive tackle Quinnen Williams remains active. The Bengals have also seen some improvement in their edge rushers, with Joseph Ossai and Myles Murphy returning from injuries.
Linebacker Cedric Johnson, who tore his calf during the offseason, has been limited but is still questionable for the game. His return would be a significant boost to the defense as he was graded as the Bengals’ highest-rated pass rusher in a Week 17 overtime win over Denver earlier this season.
Positional Adjustments and Strategy
Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor has made some strategic adjustments, including giving Barrett Carter the green dot helmet for defensive calls. Carter is a fourth-round pick who has shown promise, but he faces competition from veterans like Logan Wilson. The situation with Wilson highlights the transition of roles within the team.
Defensive coordinator Taylor mentioned that giving Carter more opportunities will help him reach his potential faster. “I just think the more opportunity he’ll get, the quicker he’s going to reach his potential.
And so instead of sitting around and waiting, let’s just throw in the fire and get going,” said Taylor.
The game against the Jets is crucial for the Bengals as they aim to secure a bye at 5-4, mirroring their performance from the 2021 AFC championship season. The team’s goal is clear: to stay hot and continue their winning streak in what promises to be an exciting matchup.
