TV/Radio: None/WTVN-AM (610)

Forecast: Indoors

\ Story line

This looks like a classic mismatch. The Bengals have to stop Peyton Manning despite missing their top three defensive ends and perhaps five of their top six defensive backs, and they must slow Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis despite starting two rookies on the offensive line.

\ Key matchup

Bengals RB Cedric Benson

vs. Colts S Bob Sanders

The Bengals have the second-worst rushing offense in the league, and the Colts have the eighth-worst rushing defense. Sanders' return from injury should help their cause, but this matchup still represents the Bengals' best chance to keep the game competitive.

\ Numbers and such

Carson Palmer recently resumed throwing in order to test his injured right elbow. He should learn soon whether the elbow is sufficiently healed or if he needs surgery. "It has gone well," coach Marvin Lewis said. "No pain." ... Tight end Ben Utecht, who left Indianapolis for Cincinnati last winter, labored through a few weeks with plantar fasciitis before the ligament in his foot tore last weekend, the same injury that has forced safety Chinedum Ndukwe to miss the past 2 1/2 games. Ndukwe should return next week; Utecht hopes to return for the final two games. ... Manning is 5-0 against the Bengals. He threw multiple touchdown passes in each game, 14 in all.

\ Bengals win if ...

The defense forces a few turnovers and the offense generates frequent first downs, either by exploiting Indy's weak run defense or by finally unleashing their talent at receiver.

\ Bengals lose if ...

The sun comes up. OK, that is an exaggeration, but all signs point to a loss. The Colts got a scare in Cleveland last week and play Detroit next week, so the Bengals cannot even count on them overlooking this game.

\ Prediction

Colts 27, Bengals 10 \

spriestle@dispatch.com