Coming off a pre-season win against last year’s AFC champions the Indianapolis Colts, the Buffalo Bills will host the Cincinnati Bengals in their third pre-season game. After finishing 6-10 last season (2-4 in the AFC East) the Bills are showing that they may be ready to take the next set towards a winning season.

The Bengals have bounced back nicely from their opening week loss, and have won two straight games against teams that contended last year. They are focused on getting back to the playoffs after suffering a defeat to the New York Jets in the AFC Wild Card round last season. A 10-6 record was just enough to put them ahead of the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North, where they finished undefeated.

Bodog sportsbook has set the Bills as home underdogs at plus three, a move away from the traditional home-favorite line in the pre-season. The line has fluctuated anywhere from two to 2 1/2 points according to the most trusted USA sportsbooks. The over/under line is resting steadily at 35.

Carson Palmer is expected to take the field for the Bengals for the first couple of series before J.T. O’Sullivan, or his brother Jordan Palmer take his place. Running back Cedric Peerman recorded two touchdowns last week against the Philadelphia Eagles to add his name to the competition. Cedric Benson is expected to be the starter this season according to the 2010 Cincinnati Bengals season preview. Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco will be the starting wideouts, and Antonio Bryant along with Matt Jones will come in to replace after a few offensive possessions. Out to stop the Bengals’ impressive wide receiving duo will be safety Jarius Byrd, who ended last season on the injured list. Linebacker Paul Posluszny will benefit from the bigger bodies of Dwan Edwards and draft pick Torell Troup on the front line.

The Bills are led by four-year veteran Trent Edwards at quarterback, but the backup position is being fought for by Levi Brown and Brian Brohm. Brohm is making the most of his opportunity with the Bills after failing to earn a role with the Green Bay Packers. The former Louisville quarterback threw for 125 yards against the Colts last week, and completed 14 of his 21 passes. C.J. Spiller is turning out to be one of the best selections in the draft when looking at his limited performance in the pre-season, and Joique Bell is looking impressive as well out of Wayne State. Lee Evans is looking for his first Pro Bowl season after setting franchise records in single game and quarter yards. Players behind him on the wide receiver’s depth chart include James Hardy and Roscoe Parrish when looking at the 2010 Buffalo Bills season preview. Patrolling the secondary will be Leon Hall, who has frustrated offensive coordinators throughout his career. In front of him will be Dhani Jones and Rey Maualuga, who finished the 2009 season on the injured list. Tank Johnson is in the midst of resurrecting his career with the Bengals, and he will play next to veteran Robert Gaithers.

Neither Mike Nugent or Dave Rayner made their one field goal attempt for the Bengals against the Eagles, and Rian Lindell nailed both of his. Lindell’s long against the Colts was from 37 yards.

Weather reports have set the weather for Saturday’s game at 79 degrees for the high, and 60 for the low. There are predicted winds out of the Southwest at 10 mph, and zero chance of precipitation.