Colts vs. Bengals: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio, Game Time and More

In a complete reversal of roles, the 3-2 Cincinnati Bengals will be hosting the winless Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The Colts have been a shell of their former selves this season without quarterback Peyton Manning, while the Bengals have surprised with youngsters on offense.

On the plus side, the Colts have improved markedly over the past couple weeks with Curtis Painter under center. Defense has certainly been a problem, but the offense has certainly shown flashes since Kerry Collins went down with an injury.

The Bengals were expected to be one of the league's worst teams, but rookie quarterback Andy Dalton and rookie wide receiver A.J. Green have gelled quickly and the defense has been excellent under defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

While the Bengals are substantial favorites at home, the Colts have made strides as of late and could certainly given Cincinnati a run for its money.

Where: Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio

When: Sunday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. EDT

Watch: CBS; WISHTV 8 (Indianapolis) and WKRC Local 12 (Cincinnati)

Listen: WFNI 1070 AM (Indianapolis) and WCKY-ESPN 1530 AM (Cincinnati); Sirius XM Satellite Radio: XM Internet 867 (Indianapolis) and XM 229 (Internet 866, Cincinnati)

Live Streaming Audio:  NFL.com Audio Pass ($29.99 for year, $27.99 team specific, $9.99 a month)

Betting Line: Cincinnati Bengals (-7)

What's at Stake?

As far as the Colts go, the playoffs are nothing more than a dream at this point. One very real possibility, however, is finishing in last place and drafting Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.

While that may rub Manning the wrong way, it might give them the rare opportunity to hand the quarterback job from one legend to another.

The Bengals, surprisingly enough, are very much in the playoff race at this point and trail the Baltimore Ravens by just a half game in the AFC North. Most may not believe the Bengals are for real, but if they are, then they absolutely must beat Indianapolis. 

Colts Injury Report

Out: QB Peyton Manning (neck), OL Anthony Castonzo (ankle), OL Ben Ijalana (knee - IR) LB Gary Brackett (shoulder - IR), DB Melvin Bullitt (shoulder - IR), DL Eric Foster (ankle - IR)

Questionable: QB Kerry Collins (concussion), RB Joseph Addai (hamstring), OL Ryan Diem (ankle), DB Jerraud Powers (hamstring), DL Drake Nevis (back)

Bengals Injury Report

Out: WR Jordan Shipley (knee - IR), TE Bo Scaife (shoulder - IR), LB Dontay Moch (foot), LB Keith Rivers (wrist - PUP), DB Pacman Jones (neck - PUP)

What They're Saying

Things have obviously been rough for the 0-5 Colts this season, but they certainly aren't getting any easier. The Colts' injury list is about a mile long and it includes running back Joseph Addai and cornerback Jerraud Powers, both of whom may miss Sunday's game, according to Phillip B. Wilson of the Indianapolis Star.

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“He’s being treated for obviously his hamstring and we’ll kind of see how the week goes. He and Jerraud Powers both are kind of in the same boat,” (head coach Jim) Caldwell said. “It will be a day-to-day sort of situation. They’re improving, but it just depends upon how quickly.”

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A three-week suspension was handed down to Bengals running back Cedric Benson a few weeks ago by commissioner Roger Goodell as a result of two offseason altercations. Benson has been in appeals process, however, and is once again expected to play in Week 6. There is still no timetable as to when the appeal will be resolved, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

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Benson also has filed an unfair labor practices charge with the National Labor Relations Board against his union, the NFL Players Association.  Per a source with knowledge of the proceedings, Benson will be meeting today with the NLRB.

It’s expected that the league will defer any ruling on the appeal of the suspension until these other proceedings have been resolved.

So, in other words, Benson will likely continue to be practicing during the weeks and playing on Sundays.

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Colts Player to Watch: RB Delone Carter

With Addai highly questionable with a hamstring injury, the Colts may be forced to turn to rookie running back Delone Carter. While Addai has certainly been the more effective back, Carter has received a fair amount of touches and has shown some flashes. 

The Colts have struggled to run the ball from a team perspective, so if Carter can get something going, then it will open up a lot more possibilities on offense. The Bengals are among the league's best against the run, so Sunday will be a great test for the rookie runner.

Bengals Player to Watch: WR A.J. Green  

It often takes some time for rookie wide receivers to get acclimated to life in the NFL, but A.J. Green has proven very quickly that he belongs in the league. Through five games Green already has 24 grabs for 402 yards and three touchdowns and has displayed his supreme athletic ability.

The Colts' best cover corner Jerraud Powers may miss Sunday's game meaning Green could be in line for a monster game. There aren't many corners in the league that can stick with Green down the field or out-jump him, so he's certainly a matchup nightmare.

Key Matchup: Cedric Benson vs. Colts Run Defense

Even when the Colts were among the league's best teams and were Super Bowl champions, run defense was always a major issue. That remains the case as Indianapolis ranks 31st in the league in rushing yards allowed. With that in mind, the Bengals and Benson are sure to pound the rock on Sunday.

Cincinnati has succeeded thanks to a strong running game and a stout defense, so it will absolutely use that formula against the Colts. Benson looked slow last season, but he seems revitalized and already has 400 yards through five games. If he continues to run tough, then the Colts will be in big trouble.

On the Hot Seat: RB Joseph Addai

When given the opportunity, Addai has run the ball pretty effectively, but the Colts have been playing from behind all season long and haven't had the opportunity to establish the run. The biggest knock against Addai is his proneness to injury as he may miss this Sunday's game.

The Colts don't have a long-term investment in Addai and will probably jump at the chance to give Carter more playing time. Carter will have an opportunity to prove himself this weekend, so Addai could see less playing time upon his return.

Prediction: Bengals 21, Colts 17