The Bengals missed a chance to clinch the AFC North and contend for a first-round bye when San Diego kicker Nate Kaeding hit a 52-yard field goal to give the Chargers a 27-24 win over Cincinnati. The Bengals offense gained over 400 yards, but they were only able to turn one of their four red zone trips into a touchdown, so they were never able to take a commanding lead against their conference rival.

The next day, the Bengals took a flight to New Orleans to attend the funeral of their teammate Chris Henry. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and former Bengals receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh were there to pay their respects as well.

WR Chad Ochocinco had planned at one point to wear Henry's #15 jersey against the Chargers, creating yet another discussion about the NFL potentially fining him for violating the uniform code. The NFL player's association announced that they would pay any fine Ochocinco incurred from the league, but Ochocinco ultimately chose to wear his normal jersey, deciding that the whole ordeal was focusing too much attention on himself when his intention was to honor Henry.

When Ochocinco caught a 49-yard touchdown pass to give the Bengals the lead in the second quarter, he dropped to his knees and put his right hand over his heart.