Bengals Knock Chargers Out Of Playoff Race With 34-20 Upset Win

Carson Palmer threw for four touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter, on 16-of-21 passing and 269 yards to help Cincinnati squash San Diego's playoff hopes with a 34-20 decision at Paul Brown Stadium. Palmer excelled without the dynamic wide receiver duo of Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens -- Ochocinco was inactive with an ankle injury while Owens underwent knee surgery earlier this week and was placed on injured reserve. Instead, the eight-year veteran did it with young receivers like third-year pro Jerome Simpson, who caught six balls for 124 yards and two touchdowns -- the first and second of his career. Rookie Jermaine Gresham registered four catches for 56 yards and a TD for the Bengals (4-11), who have won two straight on the heels of a 10-game slide. Philip Rivers threw for 256 yards on 27-of-40 passing for the Chargers (8-7), who needed a win to stay alive in the postseason race.

Source: Sports Network

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