Bengals lose star DE Odom just before Bears matchup

The Bears wrap up their two-game road swing with a visit to one of the NFL's more pleasant surprises.

Despite losing 28-17 to Houston at home on Sunday, Cincinnati (4-2) shares the AFC North lead with Pittsburgh, and the Bengals are gunning for their second playoff appearance in 19 years.

But the Bengals received a severe jolt when right defensive end Antwan Odom suffered a severe Achilles' tendon injury against the Texans. Odom was tied for the league lead with 8 sacks.

Barring Denver rookie Knowshon Moreno going off for 194 yards Monday night, Bengals workhorse Cedric Benson will start Sunday's game at Paul Brown Stadium with the NFL lead in carries (143) and the No. 2 spot in yards (575). Only Minnesota's Adrian Peterson has more yards.

Against the Texans, Benson was held to a season-low 44 yards on 16 carries.

The 26-year-old Benson, who the Bears acquired with their 2005 first-round pick, really isn't any different than he was with the Bears - he just doesn't have to share carries in Cincinnati.

While you're getting your fix of former Bears, don't forget to pay attention to the Bengals' defensive line. Tank Johnson has 3 starts and 8 tackles to his credit.