A Dual between Andy Dalton and Matt Cassell

After gaining a much-needed boost of confidence, the Cincinnati Bengals have a prime chance to lift their playoff hopes.

The Bengals would appear to have a favorable schedule over the next few weeks, beginning with Sunday's visit to the beleaguered Kansas City Chiefs.

Just when it seemed that it might continue its historic trend of inconsistency, Cincinnati pulled off a decisive 31-13 win over defending champion New York last Sunday. Andy Dalton threw a career-high four touchdowns while helping his team end a four-game losing streak, and the Bengals' defense forced four turnovers and sacked Eli Manning four times.

"That was huge for us," defensive tackle Domata Peko said. "We really needed that win. It was important because they're world champions and when you can compete against a team like that, it shows us we can compete against anybody."

Cincinnati has made back-to-back playoff appearances only once in franchise history (1981-82) and will get its chance to make a push toward achieving that goal over the ensuing weeks. The Bengals (4-5) will play their next five games against teams that are currently below .500.

Wide receiver A.J. Green, though, said Cincinnati is not taking this stretch lightly, and he pointed to a 34-24 loss at last-place Cleveland on Oct. 14 as evidence why the Bengals shouldn't.

"We can't look past anyone," Green told the team's official website. "This is the last part of the season and I feel like the game we had last Sunday gave us momentum. The best momentum to have is in the second half of the season."

Cincinnati would appear to have its chance for some momentum against the Chiefs (1-8), who have dropped six in a row. Kansas City has been outscored 157-78 during the losing streak, its longest in a single season since a seven-game slide Oct. 5-Nov. 23, 2008.

The Chiefs have produced 16 points or fewer in each of their last five games but nearly won in Pittsburgh on Monday night. Ryan Succop made a 46-yard field goal as time expired in regulation to tie it at 13-all, but Matt Cassel was intercepted on the second play in overtime, setting up the Steelers' game-winning kick.

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Bengals injury report: D. Kirkpatrick full day in practice

Rookie cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick fully participated in Cincinnati Bengals practice Friday. It was the first time this season Kirkpatrick has been able to make it through an entire practice.

Dre will be a significant difference, or at least we hope. He has played solid defense but not in the NFL. Thisis his chance to show if his presence, will change of play by our defense. Rookie cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick fully participated in practice for the first time this season on Friday. Kirkpatrick hasn't played this year and has been extremely limited in practice due to a knee injury suffered during preseason camp. The Bengals' 2012 first-round pick out of Alabama is listed as questionable this week.

The Bengals received more good news for their secondary when cornerback Terence Newman was also able to fully participate in practice. Newman still did not practice on Wednesday, and he was limited Thursday. He is listed as probable.

Week 6 Browns vs. Bengals

BENGALS FALL TO CLEVELAND BROWNS 23-17