* Line: Bengals by 3

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

* Forecast: Partly sunny, high of 48

\ Story line

The Bengals have a chance to end the season with a three-game winning streak. More important for their future, they have a chance to finish strong while relying heavily on prospects and backups who could provide valuable depth next season. This is also a chance to further evaluate free-agents-to-be Cedric Benson, Chris Crocker and Ryan Fitzpatrick, and it might be the final game in a Bengals uniform for receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

\ Key matchup

Bengals S Chris Crocker

vs. Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez

Crocker has impressed the coaching staff with his ability in pass coverage, an area where the team's other safeties have struggled. He will be tested today, as Gonzalez is among the most prolific tight ends in history.

\ Numbers and such

Quarterback Carson Palmer participated in practice on a limited basis last week and said his arm felt fine. He expects to decide soon whether his partially torn elbow ligament has sufficiently healed or he needs surgery to repair it. ... NFL.com recently cited a league source who claimed the Bengals will not use their franchise tag on Houshmandzadeh but will try to sign him to a multiyear extension before the free-agent period begins in March. Houshmandzadeh said team officials have not discussed it with him or his agent, but he hopes the report is true, because he would like to become a free agent. ... Chad Ocho Cinco is expected to sit out because of a tender hamstring.

\ Bengals win if ...

They are able to run the ball consistently well, and the defense makes a few big plays. The Chiefs are capable of compiling plenty of yards and points, but they have a tendency to allow even more than they gain, particularly on the ground.

\ Bengals lose if ...

They cannot slow the Kansas City offense, thus turning the game into a shootout. The Bengals will be without offensive tackles Levi Jones and Stacy Andrews, and they likely will be without Ocho Cinco (not to mention Palmer and guard Andrew Whitworth), so even a defense as poor as the Chiefs' could exploit the holes in the Cincinnati offense.

\ Prediction

Bengals 24, Chiefs 13 \

spriestle@dispatch.com