By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The Bengals will host a playoff game Jan. 3 or Jan. 4 if they can hold their edge in the AFC North division.

Though season ticket holders have had the opportunity to buy potential playoff tickets, the general public can begin purchasing them at 10 a.m. Wednesday on Ticketmaster.com, Bengals.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 562-4949.

The Bengals ticket office will begin selling tickets at 9 a.m. Dec. 20. Fans can call 621-8383.

Ticket prices, set by the NFL, will range from $65 to $75. Money will be refunded if the Bengals do not qualify for postseason play.

COLD, FLU SEASON: Several Bengals players have been fighting the flu the past couple weeks but will have to practice outdoors this week in preparation for their game in St. Louis' dome.

"We are trying to get somewhere inside to practice," coach Marvin Lewis said Monday. "The weather is going to be spotty this week. We are just going to have to make do."

On Sunday, safety Rogers Beckett had to leave the game with flu-like respiratory symptoms. Tailback Corey Dillon and cornerback Jeff Burris also were limited by the same illness.

ACHES AND PAINS: Rookie left guard Eric Steinbach and cornerback Artrell Hawkins are questionable for the St. Louis game Sunday with thigh bruises.

Lewis also said left tackle Levi Jones (knee) and defensive tackle John Thornton (thigh) are probable.

REBOUND: The Bengals were one of five NFL teams to start 0-3 this season and are the only one still in playoff contention.

They are trying to become just the fifth of 110 teams to start 0-3 since 1978 and still make the playoffs.

MORE 1978: In beating the 49ers on Sunday, the Bengals have become just the fourth team since 1978 to win eight games after losing 14 or more the previous season.

GAME BALLS: Lewis awarded game balls to tailback Rudi Johnson and left tackle Levi Jones on offense, cornerback Terrell Roberts on special teams and cornerback Reggie Myles on defense for their performances against the 49ers.

MORE RUDI: Johnson's 875 rushing yards leave him 125 short of becoming the first Bengal other than Dillon to rush for 1,000 since Harold Green had 1,170 in 1992. Dillon reached 1,000 in each of the previous six seasons.

Lewis would not commit to starting Johnson ahead of Dillon on Sunday, despite Johnson's 174-yard game against the 49ers.

"We've got a good competitive situation," Lewis said. "I think it's helped Rudi mature as a player."

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E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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