Week 9 Preview, Cincinnati at Buffalo

The Cincinnati Bengals, losers of five of their last 6 games, are looking to end that streak against a Buffalo Bills team that has risen to the occasion as of late. The Bengals’ best and probably last chance to contend for a wild-card playoff berth is this weekend against the Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

The Bengals’ offense has struggled of late, although they still rank 5th overall in the NFL. And it isn’t really the fault of quarterback Carson Palmer (164-of-255, 1,922 yards, 14 TD’s, 9 INT’s), although to be fair the bickering between Palmer and wide receiver Chad Johnson (The AFC’s version of Terrell Owens?) may be a minor distraction in the Bengals’ slide from respectability. The running game, on the other hand, has really regressed since the injury to starter Rudi Johnson (62 rushes, 185 yards). But it has been rumored that he may be back for Sunday’s game so theres’ that glimmer of hope for the Bengals in that respect. Fortunately, he has a partner in RB Kenny Watson (85-401-4 TD’s); he is more than capable of either starting or relieving Johnson when the need arises. The 2 WR’s of the Bengals, the aforementioned Johnson (44-731-3 TD’s) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (58-629-9 TD’s) are productive as usual. Unfortunately, the Achilles heel of the Bengals is their defense, which has helped the Bengals lose their share of games this season (ranked #31; only Miami’s is worse).

The Bills, as previously noted, are improving weekly. One would think that with their injury problems, their QB situation and the slow start they had would automatically doom them. Not neccesarily so. They, in fact, have played themselves to this point into contention for a wild-card spot. Quarterback J.P. Losman (33-of-52, 368 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) starts this week, but only because reserve QB Trent Edwards is out with a wrist injury. So it’s safe to say that it’s in Losman’s best interest to puty up some good numbers and most importantly - win this game. Running back Marshawn Lynch (148-537-4 TD’s) has been a godsend to the Bills this season, and depending on what happens to the Minnesota Vikings’ Adrian Peterson, should be considered a frontrunner for Rookie Of the Year. What is puzzling though is despite the Bills’ winning streak as of late, how did they get top this point? Considering that the Bills rank #31 (246 YPG) on offense and #30 on defense (381 yards allowed) it is a mystery to me how they do it at all. Not a knock whatsoever - I’m just saying.

If the Bengals’ history is indicative, I expect them to pass the ball often against the Bills’ secondary and be rather successful at it this weekend. Expect 300+ yards and 3 TD’s from Palmer and monster numbers from both Johnson and Houshmandzadeh, as well. Lynch should put up respectable stats vs. the Bengals’ defensive line (who doesn’t?), but it won’t be nearly enough as Cincinnati escapes with a win over the Bills, to keep their wafer-thin playoff hopes alive.