NFL GAME ODDS

San Diego Chargers vs. Cinncinati Bengals

When the Cincinnati Bengals (4-4) host the San Diego Chargers (6-2) this Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium, it really will be a game focused on the run. San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson has been running like a madman, and has single-handedly carried the Chargers to the top record in the AFC West, tied with the Denver Broncos. Meanwhile, the Bengals are on a run that is not as positive. The Bengals have not responded well to four losses in their last five games. The extended period of awful football has seemingly brought out the worst in the Bengals. Players are second-guessing the play calls, while they continue to question the teams' collective toughness. To make matters worse, several players have lost their cool during games. Coming off a 26-20 loss in Baltimore on Sunday, Cincinnati will have to rebound this Sunday to keep their diminishing playoff hopes alive. They are now faced with a two-game deficit in their division. It should be very interesting to see if the Bengals' lackluster defensive play steps up to the task of keeping Tomlinson stymied. It seems like ages ago that the Bengals won their last meeting with the Chargers, 34-27, in San Diego on Nov. 23, 2003.

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Tomlinson's incredible stretch will definitely be one of the more intriguing aspects of Sunday's game. Tomlinson looks to continue his hot streak as the Chargers go for three straight victories for the first time this season. Tomlinson had another outstanding effort when he ran for 172 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries to lead San Diego (6-2) to a 32-25 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Most importantly, he scored an incredible three times in the final 16 minutes to keep the Chargers tied with the Denver Broncos atop the AFC West. Having already gained 828 yards, Tomlinson is now within two of the NFL's leading rusher, Tiki Barber of the New York Giants. The difference between the two is that Tomlinson has 12 touchdowns rushing, while Barber has only one. In addition, Tomlinson also leads the league in yards from scrimmage with 1,151, six more than Larry Johnson of chief rival Kansas City. As further proof of his season-long dominance, the speedy running back leads the NFL with 14 touchdowns.

Things are not going as well for the Bengals. Their defense does not look strong enough to contain the San Diego offense. It ranks 24th in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing 129.2 yards per game, and you can bet that San Diego will try to take advantage of that this Sunday. On-the-field failure has not been the only problem for Cincinnati, as during the past two weeks running back Rudi Johnson has complained about being omitted from the gameplan and right tackle Willie Anderson has questioned the team's overall toughness. Also, receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh threw his helmet Sunday after the officials decided not to call pass interference on a ball thrown his way in the closing minutes. His unsportsmanlike conduct quickly earned him a 15-yard penalty. It will be interesting to see if the Cincinnati Bengals will be able to control their temper, as well as Tomlinson and the Chargers' offense, this weekend at Paul Brown Stadium.

Game Pick Cinncinati +1