DaytonDailyNews.com

What you need to know about tonight's Bengals-49ers game at Monster Park in San Francisco:

Overview

Two teams that began the season with playoff hopes have been reduced to playing for pride. A Bengals victory gives them back-to-back wins for the first time since Dec. 10, 2006. San Francisco opened the season with two straight victories only to lose 10 of its next 11 games.

Scouting the Bengals

Quarterback Carson Palmer hasn't thrown a touchdown pass in eight straight quarters, so it's important for the offense — and Palmer's confidence — that he gets back on track. Wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh (96) needs five catches to break the club's single-season receptions record of 100 set by Carl Pickens in 1996. Houshmandzadeh (966) also needs 34 yards to reach 1,000 for the second straight year. The defense has come on strong, allowing opponents an average of 270 yards (73.2 rushing) in the past five games.

Scouting the 49ers

QB Shaun Hill, a six-year veteran from Maryland, will make his first career start because of injuries to Trent Dilfer (concussion) and Alex Smith (shoulder). Hill replaced Dilfer in last week's 27-7 loss to Minnesota and played well, completing 22-of-27 passes for 181 yards, a TD and a 106.9 passer rating. Tailback Frank Gore (781 rushing yards) is an explosive, dangerous back who set the club rushing record (1,695) last season. Middle linebacker Patrick Willis won't be hard to find. He leads the club in tackles with 185 (115 solos).

Numbers game

The 49ers lead the series 9-3, including 4-1 in San Francisco, where the Bengals have lost four straight since winning their first visit (21-3) in 1974. Six of the last eight San Francisco victories have come by seven or fewer points. Neither team had scored 30 or more points in a series game until both clubs reached that mark in the Bengals' 44-30 win at Cinergy Field in 1999.

Injury report

Bengals — OT Willie Anderson (knee) is doubtful; FS Madieu Williams (thigh) is questionable. 49ers — QB Trent Dilfer (concussion) and CB Marcus Hudson (knee) are out; WR Arnaz Battle (ankle), DT Isaac Sopoaga (back), CB Shawntae Spencer (quad) and LB Jeff Ulbrich (ankle) are questionable.

Outcome

The Bengals are horrible on the West Coast (12-31) and terrible in San Francisco (1-4). But they're facing the NFL's worst offense and lowest scoring team. The 49ers average just 235.8 yards and 13.2 points a game. The final: Bengals 27, 49ers 20.

Today's game

Who: Bengals (5-8) at 49ers (3-10) | When: 8:15 p.m.

TV: NFL Network; WLWT-TV (Ch. 5 in Cincinnati)

Radio: WTUE-FM (104.7)