Preview: The 11-5 Bangles are playing host to the 9-7 Chargers this after noon at Paul Brown Stadium. . Quarterback Philip Rivers has the quickest release in the NFL and he used it to complete 69.5 percent of his passes for 4,478 yards with 32 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The San Diego Chargers barely squeaked by into the playoffs this year needing help from the Jets and the Bengals along with the officials to beat the Chiefs in week 17 and snag the sixth seed in the AFC Playoffs.
Phillip Rivers clashed with the Cincinnati defense already this season on December 1st in San Diego with the Bengals winning 17-10. The score was tied at seven all at the half but the Bengals controlled the second half The Chargers turned the ball over three times in the loss while the Bengals turned the ball over twice. The key to winning today is for Rivers to keep composure in the second half of the game.
Other key players for the Chargers consists of Ryan Mathews having his best season yet rushing for 1,255 yards and Danny Woodhead rushed for 429 yards and had 76 receptions. Antonio Gates stayed healthy and had 77 receptions and Keenan Allen had 71 receptions for 1,046 yards. The Chargers offense averaged 24.8 points and a fifth best in the NFL 393.3 yards per game and they were 4th in the NFL In passing yards at 270.5 per game. Eric Weddle led the Chargers defense with 115 tackles, Donald Butler had 84 tackles, and Marcus Gilchrist had 77 tackles. The Chargers defense allowed 21.8 points and 366.5 yards per game.
Andy Dalton has led the Bengals to a 11-5 season record along with a undefeated home record of 8-0. Dalton so far has thrown for 4,170 yards and 33 touchdowns on the season, both of which being record setting stats for this young QB.
Young Players also play a key role in this Bengals team like Rookie running back Giovani Bernard gave the Bengals a new dimension, piling up 1,209 yards on runs and catches, the second-most by a rookie in team history. Rookie tight end Tyler Eifert was sixth on the team in receiving with 39 catches for 445 yards. Burfict, a second-year player, led the team in tackles. Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, who missed most of his rookie season in 2012 because of injury, moved into a starting role late in the season because of injuries but Kirkpatrick bounced back having a pair of interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, during a 34-17 win over the Ravens in their last regular season game.
Spread: Cincinnati (-6.5)
Prediction: This game does not resemble freezer bowl conditions, but the threat of freezing rain/snow will not be ideal for the Bengals and Chargers creating a low scoring game. The advantage goes to the Bengals who are home grown in these conditions also with a talented Andy Dalton. The Bengals will prevail with a final of 21-20.
Injury Report:
CHARGERS:
| Name | Position | Injury | Wed. | Thu. | Fri. | Game Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lissemore, Sean | DE-DT | Shoulder | LP | LP | - | - |
| Matthew, Ryan | RB | Ankle | DNP | DNP | - | - |
| Reyes, Kendal | DE | Ankle | DNP | DNP | - | - |
BENGALS:
| Name | Position | Injury | Wed. | Thu. | Fri. | Game Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collins, Anthony | T | Ankle | DNP | DNP | - | - |
| Cook, Kyle | C | Foot | DNP | LP | - | - |
| Crocker, Chris | S | Knee | - | LP | - | - |
| Eifert, Tyler | TE | Kneck | DNP | LP | - | - |
| Gilberry, Wallace | DE | Concussion | DNP | LP | - | - |
| Green, A.J | WR | Knee | DNP | LP | - | - |
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