Sometimes in our moments of prophet visions, we actually hit on something that we proudly point to and say, "yep, we thought that all up by ourselves." It's rare. Actually, it never happens. For example, when we predict the team will go 10-6, then they finish 4-11-1, it's pretty evident that we've never taken to the whole weather forecasting business. Then again, we're fans first, bloggers second.

Wednesday night, I asked if the Bengals should give Kelley Washington another look? The Bengals are losing T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Chad Johnson is being led around like a puppet again by Oil Slick and his "letters" to 32 teams (who writes "letters" these days?), and while Glenn Holt is still unsigned and two players on the roster that are practice squad experienced (Purify, Urrutia), the Bengals have a wide receiver roster of:

• Chris Henry
• Andre Caldwell
• Jerome Simpson
• Antonio Chatman

Sort of frightening, isn't it? Two are inexperienced (Caldwell, Simpson), one is solid when healthy (Chatman) and one is, well, you're just not sure what you're going to get, but he's talented enough to be as good as anyone (Henry, if you needed help to know who I'm talking about).

In truth, the Bengals wide receivers are understaffed, and very inexperienced. Back to reality for a moment. Chad Johnson is still under contract and the likelihood of trading him is still low, if not nil. Mike Brown will view Johnson as a merchandise-selling king and the argument of Johnson's needed experience and deep-threat is still relevant. It's also unlikely that anyone will offer up much in the way of draft picks after the last calendar year (off-season chatty-Kathy, career-low numbers). Therefore, why expect the Bengals to trade him when the opportunity had already closed after rejecting the Redskin's offer?

Why not Kelley Washington? We know he can do things, and we could use his depth and experience (and for the love of god his squirrel dance). This keeps the team from forcing themselves into drafting a wide receiver, which is a position that's not a desperate need compared to others, like offensive line, and linebacker. And unlike his previous stint, Washington would have more opportunities and playing time.

Chad Speck, Washington's agent, confirmed the interest with his client, who has drawn interest with the Bills and Jets.

"He mentioned it to me (Tuesday) night and I think it's something that interests him," Speck said Wednesday afternoon on his way to the combine. "He said he liked it there, liked the people, and enjoyed playing with Carson (Palmer)."

Picking up Washington helps the team's wide receiver depth, removes whatever available argument there is about picking up a top-tier receiver in the first round, and gives the Bengals a 6'3", 218 pound split end. We're not demanding that the Bengals sign Washington; it wouldn't hurt to take a look though.

All-time glory of Staty goodness.

Game: Cincinnati Bengals (2-11-1) at Cleveland Browns (4-10)
Series Leader: Series is tied at 35
Streak: Browns have won two of the past three
Coaches vs. Opponent: Lewis: 7-4. Crennel: 2-5.
Broadcast: CBS (1:00 PM ET): Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon. SIRIUS: 153 (Cin.), 127 (Cle.). XM: 104 (Cle.).
SB Nation: Dawgs by Nature
NFL.com: Game Center
Weather: 60% chance of snow showers, strong 30+ MPH winds, high of 32 [Weather.com]
Uniform: White
Television Coverage: The state of Ohio and portions of Eastern Kentucky [The 506]

If you combine the average points scored by the Bengals and Browns, you'd only average two points more than the average scoring by the New Orleans Saints. When the Cincinnati Bengals head to Cleveland, the game will sport two of the league's worst total offenses; Bengals ranked 32nd, Browns 30th. In the past four games, the Browns haven't scored an offensive touchdown (Brandon McDonald returned a 24-yard interception for a touchdown breaking their string of no touchdowns as a team against the Eagles on Monday Night Football). With Ken Dorsey expected to make his first start at Cleveland, Jamal Lewis has failed to rush for more than 100 yards in any game. Even though Braylon Edwards has five touchdowns, 19 receptions and 220 yards receiving in his past three games against the Bengals, this week he's expressed frustration, which could overwhelmingly add to the drama/distraction of an already rapid following to let head coach Romeo Crennel. Distraction played a large part of the Bengals surprising victory over the Redskins. If that's not enough, Dorsey may be without Kellen Winslow and (definitely without) backup tight end, Steve Heiden.

During their four-game losing streak, the Browns have been outscored 84-31 (-53) while the Bengals, during that same stretch, have been outscored 109-36 (-73). Combined, the Bengals and Browns are 1-7 in their past four games, and the Browns have only scored three more touchdowns than the Bengals all season. Even worse, the Browns are 1-6 at home while the Bengals are 0-7 in away games for a combined 1-13 in respective records based on home/away records for the season. This weekend's broadcast (CBS, 1:00 pm) of Kevin Harlan and Rich Gannon are thrilled.

We can spin a quarterback's troubled season; in three of his past four games against AFC North teams, Ryan Fitzpatrick has recorded a touchdown. Even though he recorded a season-high passer rating of 89.6, the Bengals offense struggled against Washington after scoring two quick touchdowns in the first quarter last week. In 10 starts this season, Fitzpatrick has recorded 200-yard passing performances only twice, and has one game with multiple touchdown passes. In the first Bengals/Browns go-around, Fitzpatrick recorded three interceptions barely getting work in that week because it was determined on the weekend that Carson Palmer would his first game this season. To make matters worse, Fitzpatrick has been sacked 18 times in the past five games, fumbled four times (lost one) and thrown three picks.

In the same game against, Cedric Benson ran 21 times, giving him a personal record of 5-0-1 when he carries the ball 20 times or more. On the other hand, Cleveland is 5-0 when Jamal Lewis rushes 25 times more in a game -- done only once this season, against the Bengals. As a team, the Bengals have rushed for 100 yards or more in only four games (Giants, Texans, Jaguars, Redskins). Of the past five games, the Bengals have rushed for 56, 43, 57, 82 and 106 respectively; in none of those games did the Bengals have higher than a 3.6 yards-per-rush average. A really stagnant running game, with a boring passing game, the Bengals have failed to eclipse 300 yards of total offense in 11 of 14 games this season; below 200 yards total offense in three.

Where the Bengals lack, the Browns make up for. Based on turnover differentials, the Bengals are six in the hole while the Browns have taken the ball away nine times more than given up (bucking the trend that a positive turnover differential wins you games). Their 22 team interceptions is tied for first in the NFL. Based on yardage, the Bengals defense edges the Browns. Based on scoring, the Browns have allowed fewer points and touchdowns.

Will the Bengals offense sustain consistent drives to allow an aggressive Bengals defense to smoother a clearly struggling Browns offense? Or will the Browns find some rhythm against the Bengals, score a few points, and be the less-struggling offense (which I believe is the key to this game)? However, based off the way the Bengals held against the Redskins, and how badly the Browns have struggled recently, I would be comfortable enough to say that the Bengals win Sunday in Cleveland.

Team Rankings

Carson Palmer (FYI, since he's not likely to play)

Chad Johnson

T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Practice Report

All-time glory of Staty goodness.

Game: Washington Redskins (7-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-11-1)
Series Leader: Redskins, 4-3.
Streak: Bengals have won two of the past three.
Coaches vs. Opponent: Lewis: 1-0. Zorn: 0-0.
Broadcast: FOX (1:00 PM ET): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnson, Tony Siragusa (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 125 (Was.), 152 (Cin.). XM: 103 (Was.).
SB Nation: Hogs Haven
NFL.com: Game Center
Weather: Cloudy with a high in the mid-50s. [Weather.com]
Uniform: Black
Television Coverage: Unknown [The 506]

(tons more on the jump)

Continue reading this post »

All-time glory of Staty goodness.

Game: Cincinnati Bengals (1-10-1) at Indianapolis Colts (8-4)
Series Leader: Colts, 14-8
Streak: Colts have won the last five.
Coaches vs. Opponent: Lewis: 0-2. Dungy: 5-0
Broadcast: CBS (1:00 PM ET): Ian Eagle, Solomon Wilcots. SIRIUS: 147 (Cin.), 127 (Ind.). XM: 108 (Ind.).
SB Nation: Stampede Blue
NFL.com: Game Center
Weather: High temps in the high 20s, if opened [Weather.com]
Uniform: White
Television Coverage: [The 506]

Bengals

• In six of eight starts this season, Ryan Fitzpatrick has a 60% (or better) completion rate. Fitzpatrick has rushed for 140 yards in the past five games.
• When Cedric Benson rushes 20 times or more, he averages 76.6 yards rushing.
• Since 2007, T.J. Houshmandzadeh has 193 receptions; second to Wes Welker's 196 receptions.
• Chad Johnson looks to catch a ball in 104 consecutive games.
• In three career games against the Colts, Chad averages 17.5 yards per catch (17 receptions, 298 yards receiving).
• Glenn Holt is still second in the AFC with 1,110 kickoff return yards.
• Dhani Jones leads the team with 113 tackles.
• In his last meeting against the Colts, Antwan Odom had two seconds with the Titans.
• Since 2003, when the Bengals intercept two passes or more, they're 22-6-1.

Colts

• Colts look to record six straight wins against the Bengals.
• In five consecutive wins, Peyton Manning has completed 119 of 180 passes for 1,194 yards, nine touchdowns and three picks.
• Since 2004, the Colts are 42-7 when Manning records two touchdowns or more.
• Manning is 5-0 against the Bengals, with 14 touchdowns, three interceptions and a 109.2 passer rating.
• Joseph Addai is averaging 77.3 yards rushing per game in his past three games.
• Dominic Rhodes needs 31 yards rushing to surpass 3,000 yards rushing for his career; also only needs 84 yards receiving to surpass the 1,000 yards receiving mark.
• In his past two games against the Bengals, Reggie Wayne has 12 receptions for 201 yards and two touchdowns.
• Marvin Harrison averages 99.5 yards receiving per game against the Bengals for his career.
• In his last game against the Bengals, Harrison totaled three touchdowns.
• Anthony Gonzalez has 581 yards receiving and 48 receptions this season -- both career highs.
• Dwight Freeney has five sacks in his past four games. He tied a career-high three sacks in his last meeting against the Bengals.
• Including the post-season, the Colts are 15-2 when Freeney registers two sacks or more.
• Robert Mathis has 3.5 sacks in his past two games.

Team Rankings

All-Time Series

Carson Palmer (Just FYI, since he's not playing)

Chad Johnson

T.J. Houshmandzadeh

All-time glory of Staty goodness.

Game: Baltimore Ravens (7-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-9-1)
Series Leader: Ravens: 14-11
Streak: Bengals won three of the past four.
Coaches vs. Opponent: Lewis: 7-4. Harbaugh: 1-0
Broadcast: CBS (1:00 PM ET): Ian Eagle, Solomon Wilcots. SIRIUS: 107 (Bal.), 125 (Cin.). XM: 106 (Cin.).
SB Nation: Baltimore Beatdown
NFL.com: Game Center
Weather: High temps in the low 40s, light winds, rain and possible snow showers [Weather.com]
Uniform: Black
Television Coverage: Regional, connecting between cities [The 506]
Site: We plan on being here.

The last time both teams played, the Ravens offense benefited from two big plays, a 42-yard touchdown on a reverse to Mark Clayton and a 38-yard touchdown run by Joe Flacco. Ravens won 17-10, even though the Bengals offense didn't score a touchdown; Johnathan Joseph returned a fumble for touchdown.

Continue reading this post »

Game: Cincinnati Bengals (1-8-1) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)
Series Leader: Steelers, 46-30
Streak: Steelers won the past four.
Coaches vs. Opponent: Lewis: 3-9. Tomlin: 3-0
Broadcast: NFLN (8:00 PM ET): Bob Papa, Cris Collinsworth. Westwood One Radio: Ian Eagle, Boomer Esiason, Hub Arkush (Field reporter). SIRIUS: 124 (WW1), 126 (Cin.), 127 (Pit.). XM: 124 (WW1), 102 (Cin.), 103 (Pit.).
SB Nation: Behind the Steel Curtain
NFL.com: Game Center
Weather: Temperature 33, light winds and light snow showers [Weather.com]
Uniform: White
Television Coverage: NFL Network or inside the cities the game is played.
Site: We plan on being here.

Bengals

• Team has won five of the past seven games against AFC teams in November.
• Ryan Fitzpatrick has recorded a 60% completion rate in each of his six starts.
• In Fitzpatrick's last two starts, he's thrown for three touchdowns and only one interception (88.9 passer rating). Has 103 yards rushing in his past three games.
• When he rushes twenty times or more in a game, Cedric Benson averages 76.6 yards rushing.
• With six receptions, T.J. Houshmandzadeh will have at least six receptions in nine straight games. Since 2007, Houshmandzadeh leads the NFL with 185 receptions.
• Chad Johnson has three touchdown receptions in his past four games.
• With a reception, Chad Johnson will have at least one reception in 103 straight games.
• The Bengals are 22-6-1 (any guesses on when the "one" happened?) when the defense picks off two pass or more.
• Dhani Jones leads the team with 96 tackles.
• Glenn Holt is still first in the AFC with 933 kickoff return yards.

Steelers

• With a win, the Steelers will have beaten the Bengals in five straight games -- first time since September 19, 1993.
• In 2008, the Steelers are 6-1 against AFC clubs.
• Ben Roethlisberger is 25-8 when playing at home with 6,998 yards passing, 47 touchdowns and 33 interceptions (90.7 passer rating). Including the playoffs, the Steelers are 29-2 when Roethlisberger has a passer rating of 100 or better.
• Willie Parker looks to have 100 yards rushing at home for the third straight game.
• As a starter against the Bengals, Parker averages 113.7 yards rushing.
• Hines Ward, averaging 118 yards receiving in his past two games, looks to have a 100-hundred receiving performance for the first time since 2002. He has five touchdowns in the past three games against the Bengals.
• Santonio Holmes is averaging 100 yards receiving in his past three games against the Bengals.
• Steelers lead the AFC with 36 sacks.
• LaMarr Woodley has 8.5 sacks in his past seven games and James Harrison has nine in his past seven and ranks 2nd in the NFL with 12.

Team Rankings

Carson Palmer (just FYI since he's not playing)

Ryan Fitzpatrick

Cedric Benson

Kenny Watson

Chris Perry

Chad Johnson

T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Game: Philadelphia Eagles (5-4) @ Cincinnati Bengals (1-8)
Series Leader: Bengals lead, 7-3
Streak: Eagles have won two out of three.
Coaches vs. Opponent: Lewis: 1-0. Reid: 1-1
Broadcast: FOX (1:00 PM ET): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa (Field reporter).  SIRIUS: 144 (Phi.), 123 (Cin.).  XM: 107 (Cin.). Direct TV: 710
SB Nation: Bleeding Green Nation
NFL.com: Game Center
Weather: 41 degrees and partly cloudy at kickoff [Weather Ground ]
Uniform: Black
Television Coverage: Very regional [the 506 TV distribution maps]
Site: We plan on being here.

Bengals

• Bengals are 15-7 under head coach Marvin Lewis in November -- including five of their past six games against AFC teams.
• In his past two home games, Ryan Fitzpatrick has completed 42 of 66 passes for 326 yards, three touchdowns and a pick (84.5 passer rating). In the past two games played, Fitzpatrick has 94 yards rushing.
• When Cedric Benson rushes 20 times or more in a game, he's averaging 85.3 yards rushing per game.
• With six receptions, T.J. Houshmandzadeh will have caught six or more passes in eight straight games.
• Since 2007, Houshmandzadeh ranks second with 173 receptions (Wes Welker, 178).
• The Bengals are 22-6 when the defense records two interceptions in a game.
• Dhani Jones leads the team with 89 tackles -- last week was his first interception since playing for the Eagles on September 18, 2005.
• In his last game, Robert Geathers took a pick-six for 36 yards.
• Glenn Holt is second in the AFC with 860 kickoff return yards.

Eagles

• Donovan McNabb is 13-4 in his last 17 starts against AFC teams.
• Including the playoffs, the Eagles are 37-1 when McNabb records a passer rating of 100 or better (editor's note: JESUS!)
• Since the start of 2004, Brian Westbrook has 7,423 yards from scrimmage (4,427 yards rushing, 2,996 yards receiving); second most in the NFL and only player during that span with 4,000 yards rushing, 2,500 yards receiving.
• Westbrook is one of seven players in NFL history with 25-plug (33) career rushing touchdowns and 25 career receiving touchdowns.
• DeSean Jackson leads all NFC rookies with 38 receptions and 586 yards receiving.
• Of Reggie Brown's 17 career touchdowns, 10 have been 20-plus yards.
• Hank Baskett leads the team with three receiving touchdowns.
• SInce 2006, Asante Samuel has 19 interceptions -- most in the NFL.
• Trent Cole, who's coming home this weekend, has 16.5 sacks in his past 25.
• Juqua Parker has five sacks in his past seven games.

ALL-TIME SERIES

The Bengals lead the all-time series 7-3. The series has only been played in Cincinnati three times and the Bengals are undefeated.

* Philadelphia didn't start their starters, resting week 17 for the playoffs.

The Bengals 38-10 win over the Eagles in 2005 (the 2004 season) was the last (and only) time they've played with the existing players on roster. Carson Palmer never played; he was hurt late in 2004 and missed the final three games. Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Kenny Watson played in that game.

Cedric Benson did play an additional game against the Eagles while with the Chicago Bears. He rushed 17 times for 46 yards rushing (including one reception for 19 yards receiving). The Bears won that game 19-16.

Team Rankings

Game: Jacksonville Jaguars (3-4) @ Cincinnati Bengals (0-8)
Series Leader: Jaguars, 11-5
Streak: Jaguars on a four-game winning streak
Coaches vs. Opponent: Lewis: 0-1. Del Rio (1-0)
Broadcast: CBS (1:00 PM ET): Gus Johnson, Steve Tasker. SIRIUS: 121 (Jax.), 152 (Cin.). XM: 108
(Cin.). Direct TV: 705
SB Nation: Big Cat Country
NFL.com: Game Center
Weather: Hi of 66 and partly cloudy [Weather.com]
Uniform: Orange
Television Coverage: Limited regional coverage. [the 506 TV distribution maps]
Site: We plan on being here.

Bengals

• Under Marvin Lewis, the Bengals are 14-7 during the month of November.
• With 151 yards passing, Ryan Fitzpatrick will surpass his career high 777 yards passing with the St. Louis Rams in 2005.
• Games in which Cedric Benson has 20 carries or more, he's only averaging 79 yards rushing.
• With six receptions, T.J. Houshmandzadeh will have caught six passes or more for seven straight games.
• Since 2007, Houshmandzadeh leads the NFL with 166 receptions.
• Chad Johnson averages 17.3 yards-per-catch against the Jaguars at home.
• Antwan Odom looks to record a sack in his third consecutive games against the Jaguars.
• Glenn Holt leads the NFL with a 25.8 yards-per-return on kickoffs.
• The Bengals are 22-6 when the defense records two interceptions or more.
• With a reception, Chad Johnson will have caught a pass in 101 consecutive games.

Jaguars

• Jaguars have won nine of their past ten against the Bengals.
• Since 2006, the Jaguars are 15-4 when gaining 150 yards or more rushing.
• In his past four games, David Garrard has completed 91 of 140 passes for 995 yards, five touchdowns and no picks -- Garrard has 150 attempts without an interception.
• As a starter on the road, Garrard has 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions -- 91.0 passer rating.
• When Fred Taylor rushes 20 times or more in a game, he averages 111.3 yards rushing per game. When Taylor rushes 25 times or more, the Jaguars are 15-5.
• In his career, Taylor is averaging 94.3 yards rushing against the Bengals.
• In his career against the AFC, Maurice Jones-Drew averages 5.3 yards per carry (338 attempts, 1,775 yards).
• Matt Jones tied a career-high with eight receptions, 117 yards receiving and a score last week. Jones aims to catch seven passes or more in his third straight game.
• Rashean Mathis has two interceptions for touchdowns this season.

All-Time Series

Carson Palmer (just FYI since he's not playing)

Ryan Fitzpatrick (never played Jacksonville)

Chad Johnson

T.J. Houshmandzadeh

Cedric Benson (never played Jacksonville)

Team Rankings

* Tied for 30th, which is actually last in the NFL.