Titans (6-4) at Bengals (3-7)
Kickoff: 1 p.m., Paul Brown Stadium (65,378, synthetic)

Story line
With the Bengals' playoff aspirations all but dashed, the rest of their schedule becomes a character check. Both Cincinnati and Tennessee have contended with injuries and off-field issues, but the Titans have done a much better job coping than the Bengals. Titans quarterback Vince Young has had an up-and-down season, but he's one of the most captivating young players in the NFL.

What's at stake?
The Bengals must win to retain even a mathematical hope of the playoffs, though they're probably doomed as it is. Of more immediate urgency is the need to regain some of their lost confidence, particularly with a game in Pittsburgh up next.

Series
Tennessee leads 38-31-1, with most of the games coming when the Titans were the Houston Oilers. The Bengals won the last meeting against the Titans 31-23 in Nashville in 2005. The Titans have won five straight in Cincinnati.

On the hot seat
Bengals QB Carson Palmer

He threw four interceptions last week against Arizona, the most he has had at any level of football. Palmer is determined to bounce back from that uncharacteristic performance. It won't be easy against a Titans defense that has limited opposing quarterbacks to the second-lowest passer rating in the NFL (71.3).

Key matchup
Bengals LT Levi Jones vs. Titans DE Kyle Vanden Bosch Vanden Bosch has five sacks despite extra blocking attention. Jones has played better after his debacle against Kansas City's Jared Allen, but Vanden Bosch has the moves and grit to make for a long day if Jones isn't on top of his game. If defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth misses the game because of a hamstring injury, the Bengals should be able to gear their pass protection toward Vanden Bosch.

Streaks/slumps
Bengals WR Chad Johnson has not had a touchdown catch since the second week of the season. … Cincinnati PK Shayne Graham has made a club-record 21 straight field goal attempts. His only miss this season was a 53-yarder in the opener. Tennessee kicker Rob Bironas has made 17 straight field goal attempts. … Cincinnati has averaged 2.4 yards per run in its last three games. … In their past three games after Monday night appearances, the Titans have lost. In their five before that, they won.

The Bengals win if …
Palmer reverts to form and the Bengals find a way to control Young. Palmer would have an easier time if Haynesworth is out, which could allow the Bengals to establish a run game. The Bengals have the firepower to handle the Titans defense if they play to their potential.

The Bengals lose if …
They can't stop Young from making big plays. Cincinnati has been reasonably effective controlling immobile quarterbacks this season, but the Bengals must show they have the discipline and tackling ability to keep Young from burning them outside the pocket. On defense, the Titans have been opportunistic, causing 22 turnovers. If the Bengals are as sloppy with the ball as they were last week, they have no chance.

Prediction
TITANS 27, BENGALS 24
One of these weeks the Bengals will put it together, right? Or maybe not. This probably isn't the week, even though Tennessee has the tough task of playing after a road Monday night game. Look for Young to make enough big plays to leave the Bengals scratching their heads about what went wrong once again.

Columbus Disptach

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