In Brief
Chicago's
Matt Forte has struggled to get going in 2009.
(Dave Martin / Associated Press)
Last meeting:
Carson Palmer had three touchdown passes as the Bengals roughed up the Bears, 24-3, in Week 3 of the 2005 season.
Last week:
Cincinnati saw its four-game winning streak come to an end with a 28-17 loss to Houston. ... A late Bears comeback attempt fell just short and Chicago lost in Atlanta, 21-14.
Keep your eye on ...
Chad Ochocinco's attempt to back up his trash talk: Cincinnati's outspoken receiver has waged a war of words with the Bears over Twitter and will be driven to back up his talk. The Bears have struggled some against elite receivers this year and they will need to be at their best vs. Ochocinco.
How the Bengals replace Antwan Odom: Odom has played a crucial role in Cincinnati's defense this year with his outstanding pass-rush ability, but he is now out for the season with a torn Achilles' tendon. It will be up to players like Robert Geathers and Jonathan Fanene to fill the void with Odom out.
Matt Forte's production: The Bears' second-year running back has been a disappointment so far this year. He has more fumbles (three) than touchdowns (one) and is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. His job certainly doesn't get any easier against the Bengals' 11th-ranked run defense.
Did you know?
When Cutler has a 100-plus passer rating, his teams are 13-0. ... The Bears are 15-5 when Charles Tillman has an interception. ... The Bengals are 24-1 under Marvin Lewis when the team rushes 25 times or more. ... Palmer is one of three Bengals quarterbacks to have thrown for 17,000 yards.