Bengals' upcoming opponent has a last-second change in plans that could actually favor Cincinnati in the game

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated Oct 25, 2025 4:02 PM ET

The you know what hit the fan this week when New York Jets owner Woody Johnson put his starting quarterback, Justin Fields, on blast. Strong comments that ultimately led to the report that Fields was going to be benched, the words of Johnson catalyzed what was supposed to be a change for the winless Jets.

“If we can just complete a pass, it would look good.," said Johnson of Fields during the week. "We gotta complete some passes. You gotta convince them you can do something, otherwise it’s hard to have a game you can win."

Well, the cat is already out of the bag, but the Cincinnati Bengals will be playing the quarterback, who is "struggling to complete a pass."

Tyrod Taylor out vs. Bengals

"Jets QB Tyrod Taylor has been ruled out of Sunday’s game due to the bone bruise on his knee, as Brian Coz reported," posted Adam Schefter of ESPN on Saturday. "Jets QB Justin Fields starts vs. the Bengals."

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"Cincinnati was preparing for either Fields or Taylor to start Sunday. Head coach Zac Taylor emphasized studying the offense regardless of which QB was on the field was the key to preparing for such an unknown. "

"Now that Fields is locked in, it’ll be his third game against Taylor’s Bengals and potentially the first time the former first-round pick will play a full four quarters against them. Cincy will now use the next day to finalize its game plan against him."

-John Sheeran, A to Z Sports Cincinnati

Fields starting for the Jets favors the Bengals for multiple reasons. For one, there is an it factor, a confidence boost that QBs seemingly always have at any level of ball. Beyond that, however, this year's Justin Fields is not the one who was in the division with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year.

That, in my opinion, falls on the coaching staff more than the player, but that is neither here nor there. Looking to keep their season afloat, the Bengals may be staring two wins in a row in the face on Sunday.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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