Bengals-Chiefs Preview

Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs passes during the game against the Cleveland Browns on December 20, 2009 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

(December 19, 2009 - Source: Jamie Squire/Getty Images North America)

By ALAN FERGUSON (STATS Writer) | The Associated Press

After gaining a much-needed boost of confidence, the Cincinnati Bengals have a prime chance to lift their playoff hopes.

The Bengals would appear to have a favorable schedule over the next few weeks, beginning with Sunday's visit to the beleaguered Kansas City Chiefs.

Just when it seemed that it might continue its historic trend of inconsistency, Cincinnati pulled off a decisive 31-13 win over defending champion New York Giants last Sunday. Andy Dalton threw a career-high four touchdowns while helping his team end a four-game losing streak, and the Bengals' defense forced four turnovers and sacked Eli Manning four times.

"That was huge for us," defensive tackle Domata Peko said. "We really needed that win. It was important because they're world champions and when you can compete against a team like that, it shows us we can compete against anybody."

Cincinnati has made back-to-back playoff appearances only once in franchise history (1981-82) and will get its chance to make a push toward achieving that goal over the ensuing weeks. The Bengals (4-5) will play their next five games against teams that are currently below .500.

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