The Cincinnati Bengals are in the unusual position of being able to choose their first playoff opponent. Their playoff position is secure heading into tonight's game at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. But its outcome will determine which team will claim the AFC's last open playoff spot. Either way, the game will be played next week at Paul Brown Stadium.

• If the Bengals win (or tie), they will be the #3 seed and will play the Houston Texans in the first-ever playoff appearance for the expansion franchise.
  


• If the Bengals lose, they will be the #4 seed and will turn around to play the New York Jets again next week.

Do the Bengals match up better against one opponent than the other? Is the difference enough to merit playing starters like Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco? We have seen vastly different approaches to meaningless or near-meaningless games in the last few weeks. The Colts showed no interest in winning even with the possibility of going undefeated, while the Patriots played some of their starters into the 4th quarter even after WR Wes Welker left the game with an injury. It will be interesting to see how head coach Marvin Lewis approaches the game. (Of course, for Texans and Jets fans, the choice may be crucial!)

This game will be the Bengals' last chance to get a win at Giants Stadium before the facility is torn down. They have never won there-- not against the Jets, and not against the Giants-- in ten tries.