By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Talk about two teams headed in opposite directions.

Since starting 6-1 in 2002 under first-year coach Marty Schottenheimer, the Chargers have gone 4-15.

The opening-day loss to San Diego in 2002 started a 2-17 skid for the Bengals, reversed by the current 4-1 run that moved them into a first-place tie in the AFC North.

A Bengals playoff berth this season would saddle the Chargers with the league's dubious post-season drought trophy that seemed to find a permanent home at Paul Brown Stadium.

The Bengals last made the playoffs in 1990; the 2-8 Chargers have the NFL's second-worst streak at seven, going on eight, years.

Not counting expansion teams, the Bengals have the league's worst winning percentage since the start of the 1997 season at 29.2 (31-75). The Chargers are second-worst at 31.1 (33-73).

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said it best the other day: If his team wants to shed the "same-old-Bengals tag," it had better beat the Chargers.

QUARTERBACK

Jon Kitna has won when he avoids interceptions. In seven victories over the past two seasons, he has 16 touchdown passes and three interceptions. In 15 defeats, it's 15 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.

In San Diego, Drew Brees has lost his confidence and mechanics. Doug Flutie - at 41, definitely not the future - is expected to be invited back to training camp with another veteran quarterback to push Brees.

Edge: Bengals

RUNNING BACKS

This position continues to be strong for both teams.

Lewis is expected to use his two-back combination today, with Corey Dillon and Rudi Johnson sharing the load. The opportunity is there for another big ground game against a porous run defense. On the other side, LaDainian Tomlinson should pass 1,000 yards today for a third consecutive season.

Edge: Even

RECEIVERS/TIGHT END

The Bengals have a distinct advantage here, even with tight end Reggie Kelly missing again. Chad Johnson and Peter Warrick are the third most productive receiving duo in the league with 107 catches. They each have five touchdown receptions, too.

The Chargers are 28th in the league in passing offense, and the inconsistent David Boston is their only threat.

Edge: Bengals

OFFENSIVE LINE

The Chargers start two rookies on the line because two starters and a top backup are on injured reserve.

The Bengals offensive line has been dominating of late, and Lewis this week thanked line coach Paul Alexander for urging him to return center Rich Braham to the starting lineup. Rookie left guard Eric Steinbach is delivering on his 33rd overall draft pick status. Watching him pull to the right is as close as offensive line play gets to ballet.

Edge: Bengals

DEFENSIVE LINE

Credit the Bengals defensive line and linebackers for keeping Chiefs tailback Priest Holmes in check last week. Tomlinson is another major challenge. The Bengals' front four is playing with discipline and confidence.

The Chargers are hurting up front because of a serious ankle injury to aggressive end Raylee Johnson, who is doubtful. Opposite end Marcellus Wiley has one sack.

Edge: Bengals

LINEBACKERS

Bengals middle linebacker Kevin Hardy better be ready for a steady diet of Tomlinson. Outside mates Brian Simmons and Adrian Ross will play key roles in keeping fleet-footed Flutie in the pocket.

San Diego's linebackers are a solid group but miss the take-charge personality of Junior Seau. It is a position, group, defense and team in transition.

Edge: Bengals

DEFENSIVE BACKS

The Chargers secondary is young, and Kitna said it is dangerous because it is unpredictable. The Bengals need another solid game from cornerback Artrell Hawkins. The big matchup is cornerback Tory James on Boston. Bengals coaches have coaxed excellent play from safeties.

Edge: Bengals

SPECIAL TEAMS

The loss of return man Tim Dwight hurts the Chargers kicking game. A confident, happy Warrick could break another punt return against a mediocre cover team.

Edge: Bengals

COACHING

Lewis has emerged - along with Bill Parcells, John Fox and Bill Belichick - as a coach of the year candidate. Today's game is one his team should win by avoiding the over-confident attitude it carried into Arizona three weeks ago. Lewis is reaping rewards for sticking with offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski. Word in San Diego is Marty Schottenheimer and his big contract will be back but that many of his assistants won't.

Edge: Bengals

CURNUTTE'S PREDICTION: Bengals 27, Chargers 17

On today's game

"What happened, man, why did you all run me out of town? Now you all decide to start winning and looking like Super Bowl champs. You guys are over there just laughing and grinning and skinning. I see you all chuckling like a bunch of chickens over there."

Chargers fullback Lorenzo Neal, who is 2-8 in San Diego after going 8-24 with the Bengals in 2001 and 2002

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