Written by Jim Williams, Senior Columnist – Capital Sports
CINCINNATI — The New York Jets (0–7) arrive at Paycor Stadium on Sunday, October 26, searching for their first win of the season — and perhaps a lifeline. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals (3–4) are riding the resurgence of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, whose 342-yard, three-touchdown performance last week against Pittsburgh has reignited playoff hopes in the Queen City USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire.
The Jets benched Justin Fields after a string of ineffective outings, turning to Tyrod Taylor, who managed just 126 yards and two interceptions in a 13–6 loss to Carolina USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire Bergen Record. New York has now gone eight quarters without scoring a touchdown, and the pressure is mounting on head coach Aaron Glenn to salvage a season spiraling toward disaster Bergen Record.
TV and Game Information
- Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Network: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+, NFL+
- Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
- Odds: Bengals -7.5 | Over/Under: 45.5 USA Today
Key Matchups and Players to Watch
- Joe Flacco (QB, Bengals): The 40-year-old former Super Bowl MVP has thrown for 685 yards and six touchdowns in his last two starts, showing poise and precision that’s lifted Cincinnati out of a four-game skid USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire.
- Ja’Marr Chase (WR, Bengals): Coming off a monster 161-yard game, Chase remains one of the NFL’s most dangerous playmakers USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire.
- Tyrod Taylor (QB, Jets): Thrust into the starting role, Taylor must find rhythm quickly or risk another offensive collapse.
- Breece Hall (RB, Jets): The lone bright spot in New York’s offense, Hall will need a breakout game to keep the Jets competitive.
- Jets Defense vs. Bengals Tight Ends: Cincinnati has allowed the most touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season — a potential opening for Mason Taylor and the Jets offense Yahoo Sports.
What’s at Stake
For the Jets, this game is about pride and progress. At 0–7, they’re the NFL’s only winless team, and the quarterback carousel has only deepened the dysfunction. A loss in Cincinnati could cement their place at the bottom of the AFC.
For the Bengals, a win would bring them back to .500 and keep them in the hunt for a wild card spot. With Flacco under center and Chase surging, Cincinnati has the weapons to make a second-half push — but they must take care of business against a struggling Jets squad.
