ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL

The Bengals managed to lose another heartbreaker last Sunday - this one another overtime setback.  Their record has fallen to 7-6 with four games to play.  To make the play-offs, they will probably need to win at least three of the last four games.  This Sunday, they travel to Denver to play the Broncos at 4:05 Eastern.  

The Broncos (also 7-6) are coming off a 38-10 win over the Detroit Lions.  Like the Bengals, they are in a must-win situation if they want to make the play-offs.  

Again, health will be a major deciding factor.  As of yesterday, we have both centers with illness, premier rusher Trey Hendrickson nursing back spasms which took him out of the second half last week and offensive right tackle Reilly Reiff trying to heal a sprained ankle.  None of these practiced.  We have a half dozen others who took part in limited practice.  

If you were wondering why the Bengals had trouble defending the 49ers tight end last week, look no further than our starting middle linebacker Logan Wilson and his replacement, Markus Bailey, both being unavailable.  Wilson is out for th season and Bailey will probably not be ready Sunday.

The Broncos have injury questions as well.  A defensive lineman, a linebacker and a running back are listed as questionable.  Most "questionables" play.  Their quarterback is Teddy Bridgewater of U of Louisville fame.  I think he's average at best.  

They don't call the Broncos stadium "Mile High" for nothing.  Let's hope our boys from the Ohio Valley can handle the 5,000'+ elevation.

Interestingly, the Bengals opened the week as 3 point favorites and have been bet down to 2-1/2 point underdogs with a combined score of 44.  The injury report was significant.

Lose this week and, as Dandy Don Meredith used to say, "You can turn out the lights".

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