This game pits two teams that are moving in different directions.  The Chargers have won four of their last five games, while the Bengals have lost 4 of their last 5 games.

Look for the Chargers to run the football against the Bengals who allow 129.3 yards rushing per game and 4.3 yards per carry.  LaDainian Tomlinson (828 yards rushing) and Michael Turner (344 yards rushing) will both have huge games on Sunday against the soft Bengals defense.  Look for Philip Rivers to dice up the Bengals secondary when they creep up to stop the Chargers running game.  Antonio Gates should have a big game and so could Keenan McCardell or Eric Parker.

The  Bengals should come out throwing the football to set up the run.  With alot of the Chargers defense out for the game, the Bengals offensive line must step up and protect Carson Palmer.  Palmer has been a little skittish in the pocket due to his injured knee, but if he has time he will have success throwing the ball to Chad Johnson (40 rec, 483 yards) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (39 rec, 488 yards).

Look for the Chargers to bully the Bengals with their running game thus controlling the clock.  I do think that Chad Johnson will have his best game of the season this Sunday.  This should be a great football game to watch with alot of scoring.