The Chargers (off last week) arrive in Cincinnati for the second time in three years looking to extend their edge in this series.

While the Chargers own a 14-10 overall advantage in this rivalry (one of those losses a 27-7 setback in the '81 AFC Championship Game in frigid Cincinnati), the Bengals posted a wild 38-31 triumph in '97 at Cinergy Field in the most recent encounter between the clubs as the teams have split their last 6 meetings dating back to 1988.

Including playoffs, the Chargers are 6-6 lifetime at Cincinnati dating back to 1968, including 5-5 at Cinergy Field dating back to '71.

Numbers: The Chargers committed 49 turnovers in their last 14 games in '98, including 24 turnovers in their last four contests. They have committed 19 turnovers in 17 wins, 99 turnovers in 31 losses since '96. The Chargers have been limited to 17 or fewer points in 16 of their last 19 games dating back to '97. Their offense has scored 39 touchdowns in their last 32 games (9-23), while their defense/special teams has scored 11 touchdowns dating back to '97. San Diego has allowed 133 points in nine wins, 634 points in 23 losses dating back to '97.

In 55 career starts with the Bengals (1994-99), QB Jeff Blake is 22-33, throwing 78 touchdown passes and 49 interceptions while being sacked 134 times in those 55 contests. RB Corey Dillon has scored at least one touchdown in 13 of his last 27 games dating back to '97. After committing just one turnover in their first five games (2-3) in '98, Bengals have committed 23 turnovers in their last 12 games (1-11) dating back to '98.

Things To Look For: The Chargers have had an extra week to forget about their troubling '98 season and should be better prepared on offense with veteran QB Jim Harbaugh running the show. On the other hand, Bruce Coslet's club made it more than a little interesting for the Titans last weekend and may have more firepower on offense than expected. But the Bengals' young secondary will be tested early and often.

Etc.: The Chargers have lost five straight games dating back to '98, and have lost 19 of their last 24 contests dating back to '97. San Diego has won five games in '98 by a combined total of 13 points.

The Bengals have lost five straight home games dating back to '98. Over the past nine years (1991-99), the Bengals are a combined 11-54 over the first half of the season. They are 17-25 under Bruce Coslet dating back to '96.