Bengals (1-1) at Seahawks (1-1)
Kickoff: 4:05 p.m., Qwest Field (67,000, FieldTurf)

Story line
After a defensive collapse against Cleveland, the Bengals have to go across the country for redemption. On paper, the Seahawks are far more formidable than the Browns were. Shaun Alexander, who as a northern Kentuckian grew up a Bengals fan, has been one of the NFL's premier runners the past few years. Matt Hasselbeck is an efficient quarterback. The Bengals have vowed they won't repeat the breakdowns they had against the Browns.

What's at stake?
Because of the loss to the Browns, a lot. With New England looming next week, Cincinnati does not want to be 1-3 at its bye week in a loaded AFC.

Series
The Bengals lead 9-8. Cincinnati won the teams' last meeting in 2003 with a 27-24 victory in Marvin Lewis' first season.

On the hot seat
LB Caleb Miller With Ahmad Brooks unlikely to play because of a groin pull, the Bengals are counting on Miller to play better than he did against the Browns. Defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan believes the fourth-year linebacker will benefit from being able to concentrate on playing middle linebacker instead of worrying about outside linebacker responsibilities as well. Miller has to be stout against the run and be able to anticipate Alexander's cutbacks.

Key matchup
Bengals WRs Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh vs. Seahawks CBs Marcus Trufant and Kelly Jennings.  The Seahawks didn't put much pressure on Arizona quarterback Matt Leinart in last week's loss to the Cardinals. If Seattle doesn't put heat on Carson Palmer, the Bengals could have a big day. Trufant is a solid veteran cornerback. Jennings is a first-year starter. The Bengals tend to pick on those guys.

Streaks/slumps
The Bengals are only 12-30 on West Coast trips in franchise history. They are 3-3 in Seattle. … Cincinnati is 10-2 against NFC teams the past three years. … Seattle is 36-13 at home since the 2001 season. … Hasselbeck (101.7) and Palmer (100.0) have the highest passer ratings among NFL quarterbacks for the final two minutes of each half since 2005.

The Bengals win if …
Their defense shows up and the offense avoids turnovers. The Bengals should be able to move the ball on Seattle, and it's reasonable to believe a chastened defense will be determined to play much better.

The Bengals lose if …
Their defense plays remotely like it did last week. Alexander and Hasselbeck give the Seahawks a potent running and throwing combination, and they'll take advantage if the Bengals aren't fundamentally sound. Cincinnati's offense can't afford to commit many turnovers.

Prediction
BENGALS 30, SEAHAWKS 27
There are many reasons to think the Bengals will lose this one, namely that if their defense can give up 51 points to the Browns, Seattle could really light it up. But the hunch is that the Bengals' D will rebound enough for their potent offense to eke out a close victory.

Columbus Dispatch

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