Streaks
Seattle has won two of the past three, but the overall series is tied at eight apiece.
Last week
The Bengals demonstrated their offensive prowess as quarterback Carson Palmer threw for six touchdowns. But the defense let the team down, giving up 554 yards to the host Browns in a 51-45 loss. Seattle, meanwhile, coughed the ball up to Arizona in the final two minutes on a fumbled exchange and fell victim to Neil Racker's 42-yard field goal with one second left, losing to the Cardinals, 23-20.
At stake
Cincinnati must show that its lackluster defensive performance against Cleveland was an aberration and that it can play well enough to compliment an explosive offense. Another shootout loss and the pressure will build on coach Marvin Lewis to fix the defense of what would be a 1-2 team. Already a game behind the resurgent 49ers, the Seahawks need a win to keep pace in the competitive NFC West.
Key matchup
Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who has compiled a 102.3 quarterback rating in the first two weeks, must be relishing the opportunity to face the Bengals' 27th-ranked pass defense. If it hopes to have a chance, Cincinnati will have to contain Hasselbeck and prevent Seattle from replicating Cleveland's scoring outburst.
Key injuries
SEATTLE: WR D.J. Hackett (Ankle), LB LeRoy Hill (ankle), RB Maurice Morris (hip). CINCINNATI: DE Frostee Rucker (hamstring)
Did you know?
Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu is facing a former college teammate at quarterback for the second consecutive week. Last week he opposed the Cardinals' Matt Leinart and this week he confronts the Bengals' Carson Palmer. All three players attended USC.
