FANTASY FOOTBALL IN-SEASON FEATURES

Prediction: CIN 17, ATL 23

The Bengals come off their bye week with a two game losing streak and a mere field goal did them in both times. The Falcons are tied with the Saints for the NFC South lead at 4-2 and are 2-0 at home. The Bengals are starting to become inexplicably bad again and the Falcons at home are always tough.

QUARTERBACK: Look at Carson Palmer's stats and it looks like he's having a decent season. The problem is that although he had thrown two scores in both of the most recent games, the Bengals lost to the Browns and Buccaneers in games they could have and should have won. Palmer's errant throws are getting worse each week and he's hitting fewer and fewer deeper passes. Hosting the Buccaneers led to three interceptions.

The Falcons have a worse ranking than applies to this game since both Drew Brees and Kevin Kolb had huge games when the Falcons were on the road. In two previous home games they only gave up just one score and minimal yardage. Palmer will have to rely on the pass again this week and could post decent fantasy points even if it is again in a losing effort. Much depends on the success of both teams trying to run the ball.

RUNNING BACKS: Cedric Benson finally looked back to form last in week five when he gained 144 yards on 23 runs against the Buccaneers but he still did not score and only had two touchdowns on the season. It was also almost twice as much yardage as in any other game. Benson won't be on familiar turf this week but could have a decent showing against a defense that has allowed two opponents to top 100 rushing yards.

Benson has not gained more than 80 yards in a road game and this will be more challenging. Look for moderate yardage and a chance for one score.

WIDE RECEIVERS: The Bengals get Jordan Shipley back after he had a concussion in the last game but that's never been more than around 40 yards since week one and he still has yet to score. Terrell Owens has been the primary wideout and while the Bengals lost their last two games, Owens had 222 yards in Cleveland and then 102 yards against the Buccaneers with a score in each. But while Owens has been on fire in recent games, Chad Ochocinco has been nearly invisible with only 14 catches for 157 yards over the last four games. Ochocinco claims to be ready to return to "his old self" starting this week but one of the issues is that Palmer has been lacking the deep ball. Sometimes even the medium passes have been off.

The success of the wideouts depends much on Palmer. The Falcons at home have not allowed a passing score to the position but only the 49ers and Cardinals have been there. They are risks but both starters should have at least a decent showing here.

TIGHT ENDS: Jermaine Gresham has been only marginally effective as a rookie but has been more used in road games. He will provide an outlet for Palmer and should produce at least marginal stats this week. Gresham usually ends with around 30 yards or so in road games.

Pregame Notes: The Falcons were on an impressive four game winning streak when they lost badly in Philly last Sunday. The defense had been stout through week five and return home were they have not allowed more than 14 points so far this year. With a bye week waiting on the other side, a win here gives the Falcons 5-2 record and a chance to make a run at the division.

QUARTERBACK: Matt Ryan has been better than average this year but not much. He's thrown a score in each of the last four games with multiple touchdowns three times but he has topped 252 yards only once and normally dials in right at the 220 yard level each week. Ryan has nine scores against only four interceptions on the season.

The Bengals have allowed more than one passing score only once this year though their opponents thus far have been less likely to pass anyway (BAL, CAR, CLE and TB). No reason to expect much more than standard from Ryan.

RUNNING BACKS: Michael Turner continues to struggle as a runner and only managed 45 yards on 15 carries in Philly. He has only one score on the season and his two big rushing efforts came in road games though he was injured earlier this year. Still it is clear that Turner is not running with nearly the same authority and power of 2008. He's only once had more than 19 carries in a game.

The Bengals have not played many decent running attacks in a road game yet so there is a chance that Turner shows up better this week and the Bengals have allowed one rushing touchdown to each of their last three opponents. Consider the yardage as more likely and the score more as a bonus.

WIDE RECEIVERS: Roddy White continues to be one of the most consistent wideouts in the game. He has not produced less than five catches and 79 yards in any game and has three scores on the season. The Falcons finally got Michael Jenkins back for the first time this season and he came up with five catches for 99 yards against the Eagles for a very out of character good game for him. His return should help the rushing game as a blocker and he pushes Harry Douglas back into the slot. If anything happens in this unit, it has to go through White first.

The Bengals have faced mostly below average wide receivers so far but have allowed four scores to the position already. White never has a truly bad game and at home should be a lock for a decent showing if not a big game. Jenkins cannot yet be relied on in fantasy terms.

TIGHT ENDS: Tony Gonzalez only caught three passes for a season low 19 yards but twice scored a touchdown in Philadelphia. Gonzo has been locked in around 40 yards in most games and has only scored in two games so far. The Bengals have been very good against the position so expect a return to his normal stats.