DaytonDailyNews.com

What you need to know about today's Bengals-Dolphins game at Dolphin Stadium in Miami:

Overview

The end of a disappointing season for both squads has finally arrived. After last week's victory over Cleveland, Cincinnati (6-9) seeks back-to-back wins for the first time since Dec. 10, 2006. Miami (1-14) is treating the game like it's the Super Bowl. With major changes coming for both teams, players need to put their best performances on film because jobs are at stake for 2008.

Scouting the Bengals

WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (103 catches, 1,053 yards, 12 TDs) has an opportunity to become the first Bengal to claim an NFL single-season receptions title, while QB Carson Palmer (3,815) needs 185 yards to reach 4,000 for the second straight year and 221 to surpass the franchise record (4,035) he set in 2006. CB Leon Hall is tied for first among NFL rookies with five interceptions. He needs one INT to set the team's rookie record. Since 2003, the club is 22-5 (.814) when the defense has two or more INTs.

Scouting the Dolphins

QB Cleo Lemon's passing stats aren't impressive (1,650 yards, 5 TDs, 6 INTs in 8 games), but he's a dangerous runner. He has four rushing TDs and needs one more to set the single-season franchise record for rushing TDs by a quarterback. WR Greg Camarillo aims for a third straight game with a TD catch, and rookie WR Ted Ginn Jr. has 27 receptions for 367 yards (a 13.6 average). DE Jason Taylor leads the defense with 11 sacks, reaching double digits for the third straight year and sixth time in his career.

Numbers game

Miami leads the series, 13-4, including 6-1 at home. Since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, the Dolphins are 5-0 at home against the Bengals. The Dolphins are the second-toughest franchise for Cincinnati to beat. Their .765 winning percentage against the Bengals is second only to San Francisco's .769 (10-3).

Injury report

Bengals — TB Rudi Johnson (hamstring) is doubtful; WR Glenn Holt (back) and SS Dexter Jackson (calf) are questionable. Dolphins — CB Travis Daniels (ankle), DE Jason Taylor (foot) and DT Keith Traylor (ankle) are questionable.

Outcome

With Bill Parcells monitoring the game as Miami's new executive VP of football operations, the Dolphins will play hard. The Bengals haven't been able to put back-to-back wins together all season. Why start now? The final: Dolphins 23, Bengals 20.

— Chick Ludwig, Staff Writer

Today's game

Who: Bengals (6-9) at

Miami Dolphins (1-14)

When: 1 p.m.

TV: WHIO-TV (Channel 7)

Radio: WTUE-FM (104.7)