If you didn't see CBSSports' feature on Chris Henry on Thanksgiving you have to watch it now...

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The Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up their second division title in five years by defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 17-10 on Sunday in their home regular-season finale at Paul Brown Stadium.

THE GOOD
Cedric Benson – It took a while to get warmed up, but once Benson got his engine revving the Chiefs were in trouble. He had a franchise record sixth 100-yard rushing day, finishing with 133 yards on 29 carries.

Leon Hall – His interception late in the fourth quarter locked up the game.  The Pro Bowl candidate added four passes defended, three tackles and an assist. He has emerged as a lock-down defender.

Henry Tribute – The Bengals’ faithful showed their support for Chris Henry, who died tragically a week earlier, throughout the stadium and the video tribute at the beginning of the game was spectacular.

THE BAD
Coaching – The conservative nature of the Bengals’ offensive play-calling is holding the team back. Is there another option on third-and-long aside from a screen pass to Brian Leonard? The timeout that negated Carson Palmers’ first-down run was terrible. The fact it was followed up with a penalty was Bunngle-like.

Rey Maualuga Injury – The rookie sensation had his debut season cut short with a gruesome ankle injury. While the team has depth at the linebacker position, there’s no replacing Maualuga’s intensity and physical style.

Passing Game – Carson Palmer managed just 139 yards on 17 completions. It’s not quite as bad as the effort against the Vikings two weeks ago, but these are the Kansas City Chiefs. At times, the Bengals offense made the Chiefs’ D look the 1985 Bears on Sunday.

THE UGLY
First Half – The first thirty minutes of Sunday’s game set Bengals football back 20 years. It was atrocious. Had it not been for a botched snap on a punt (which the team could only convert into a field goal), the Bengals may have been blanked in the first half. The fact the defense once again struggled against the Chiefs’ two-minute offense (allowing a FG to end half) raises questions moving forward.

QUOTE TO NOTE
“I am going to hang on to it. It is nice. It is one of our goals, but at the end of the year, if we don’t win the Super Bowl, it is just a hat. Then it doesn’t mean anything. The Super Bowl Championship hat is the one you want.” – quarterback Carson Palmer on receiving his AFC North Champions hat

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The Cincinnati Bengals lost a heartbreaker on the road to the San Diego Chargers, who now take a firm grip on the No. 2 seed and a first round bye in the AFC Playoff picture. After driving to tie the game with 0:57 left in the game, the Bengals allowed the Chargers to drive the field and get a 52-yard game-winning field goal in the game’s final seconds.

THE GOOD
In Memory of Henry – There was no telling how Cincinnati was going to respond to the shocking death of their teammate Chris Henry earlier in the week. In the end, they rallied behind him and put together a heart-felt effort. Chad Ochocinco paid tribute to his teammate by making a big play, the kind that Henry loved the most, when he scored on 49-yard strike from Carson Palmer.  Following the catch, Ochocinco took a knee in the end zone, looked up to the sky and said a personal prayer. It was a very moving moment as Bengals’ fan.

Carson Palmer – For the first time in 18 games, Palmer threw for over 300 yards. He finished by completing 27 of 40 passes for two touchdowns and just one interception. He completed passes to eight different receivers as he put to rest any questions about the health of his arm. The shot of him addressing the offense on the sidelines early in the second half showed he is indeed the team’s leader.

THE BAD
Corners – One week after they turned in one of their best efforts of the season, the Bengals’ secondary gave up some big plays to the Chargers. Cincinnati had no answer for Chargers’ wideout Vincent Jackson, who finished with five catches for 108 yards and a pair of touchdown catches. The completion allowed to Malcom Floyd to set up the field goal at the end was unacceptable.

Penalties – The team continues to shoots themselves in the foot by making mental mistakes. They were flagged nine times for 55 yards. If they are going to make a playoff run, they need to limit the laundry being tossed on the field.

Andre Caldwell – For the second time in a trip out west, the Bengals’ young wideout coughed up the ball in a critical situation. This time around the Bengals were able to maintain possession and salvage a field goal, but there is no telling how the game may have gone had they not lost the 20 yards on his lost fumble on the final drive.

Red Zone Efficiency – They mustered just one touchdown in four trips to the end zone. It’s hard to beat a high-powered team on the road when you have to settle for field goals.

THE UGLY
Third quarter – It what has become a disturbing trend, the Bengals came out of the locker room flat to start the second half. The crowd became the 12th man in the big way as Cincinnati committed three straight penalties deep in their own territory as they fell 11 points down in the game shortly after intermission.

QUOTE TO NOTE
“Chris embodies what this team is all about. He turned his life around. We turned this team around from a year ago. We have men in this locker room. You couldn't always say that around here. We are ready to go home and win the AFC North.” – offensive lineman Andrew Withworth on Henry after the game.

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The news of Chris Henry’s death on Thursday morning hit me like a ton of bricks.  Like others in the city, I have been harsh on Henry. Let’s face it he deserved it after five arrests and some of the stupid behavior he displayed during his tenure in the Queen City. However, I have always been a fan of his potential and the fact he was starting to realize it himself over the past year or so was something that brought me joy.

I may not have known Chris Henry, but I do understand him. I wrote about it this past summer in an article I wrote about the Bengals being on Hard Knocks and how that his comeback was the true story of this team.

After hearing Carson Palmer, who Henry worked out with this off-season, speak so highly on him this off-season, I pegged Henry as one of my top fantasy sleepers.

In my over three decades of watching the Cincinnati Bengals, I firmly believe that Henry is the most-gifted receiver to ever wear the Bengal stripes. He may not be able to run route very well. He was slow to learn the entire offense and at times his work ethic was questioned. Yet there are few receivers in the league that possessed his size, athleticism and his ability to go deep down the field.

The passing game has turned anemic since him going in early November at Baltimore. I just can’t stop thinking what would have happened had he not broken his arm. Would he have been at practice on Wednesday, rather than at practice? In the end, Henry’s whole career can be summed up by wondering what could’ve been.  I just wish we would’ve had a chance to see it.

R.I.P. #15!

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from CBSSports.com:

Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry has died, one day after suffering serious injuries upon falling out of the back of a pickup truck in what authorities describe as a domestic dispute with his fiancee.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said Henry died at 6:36 a.m. Thursday. Henry was 26.

Henry was rushed to the hospital Wednesday after being found on a residential road "apparently suffering life-threatening injuries," according to police.

Police said a dispute began at a home about a half-mile away, and Henry jumped into the bed of the pickup truck as his fiancee was driving away from the residence.

Police said at some point when she was driving, Henry "came out of the back of the vehicle." They wouldn't identify the woman, and no charges were immediately filed. 

COMPLETE ARTICLE 

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The Cincinnati Bengals took control of the AFC North as they moved to 4-0 inside the divsion by sweeping the Ravens with a 17-7 home victory on Sunday.

THE GOOD
Third Downs - The Bengals converted 8 of their 18 third down conversion offensively while limiting the Ravens to just 1 for 10 on third downs.

Cedric Benson - For the second time this season Benson eclipsed the 100-yard mark rushing vs. the highly touted Ravens' defense.

Secondary - Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall each had an interception. The duo came up with picks in each game this season against Baltimore.

THE BAD
Chad Ochcocinco - Let's not take anything away from the season Chad is having. Still, he needs to hold on to the ball when he's trying to make plays. He had one fumble yesterday and would've had two had a penalty not negated the first one.

THE UGLY
Chris Henry - After all he's been through it was tough to see Henry, who's in a contract year, go down with a gruesome are injury. He may not have played as much this season, but he was getting more involved each week. He is likely lost for the season and the Bengals have nobody on the team that is a better deap threat. It is a bad break for Henry, who is in a contract year.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"Yes, they are in the same division with the reigning Super Bowl champion Steelers, but how can you argue with their 4-0 record against Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Baltimore? Their sweep of the Ravens puts them in control going forward, considering Pittsburgh and Baltimore have yet to play each other. It's hard to find a hole in the Cincinnati roster." - Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News

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Bengals
Chris Henry, WR - Henry was held out of practice Thursday with a thigh injury. He is practicing today and is listed as probable for Sunday's opener.

Bills
James Hardy, WR - The Bills placed WR James Hardy on the PUP list due to his ACL injury. He will not be able to practice until after week 6.

Broncos
Jabar Gaffney, WR - Gaffney is expected to play against the Bengals Sunday barring any setbacks to his sore thumb.

Cardinals
Steve Breaston, WR - Breaston practiced fully Wednesday but says he is still not 100%. He will likely play against 49ers Sunday, but will be limited.

Chiefs
Matt Cassel, QB - Cassel practiced thursday but still looks a little gimpy favoring his knee. Coach Todd Haley says it will be a gametime decision.

Eagles
Brian Westbrook, RB - Westbrook is practicing in full today. He was a late addition to the injury report on Thursday with an unspecified knee ailment. He will play against the Panthers Sunday.

Patriots
Wes Welker, WR - Welker participated in the morning portion of Friday's practice and has practiced in a limited capacity throughout the week. He will very likely play vs Buffalo on Monday Night.

Ravens
Mark Clayton, WR - Clayton is expected to start Sunday despite his sore hamstring, but don't count on him as a fantasy starter. Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said they will be using a WR by committee approach.

Saints
Pierre Thomas, RB - Thomas will likely not play in their opener against the Lions as he nurses his MCL sprain. Backup Mike Bell will get most of his snaps.

Texans
Kevin Walter, WR - Walter is expected to be a game-time decision after missing practice Thursday. walter may play but he will be limited.

Vikings
Bernard Berrian, WR - Berrian was limited again in practice on Thursday. There's a good chance he will play Sunday especially if he puts in a full practice Friday.

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The Sporting News Today lists Bengals' wide receiver Chris Henry as one of the top five players that have raised their stock this preseason.

Henry's career has been plagued by off-field issues, but nobody denies this talent. With three preseason touchdowns, Henry is showing he could help fill the void left by the departure of T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

"I think he is a much better player now than he has been for us in the past," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said of Henry. "There are still some areas we want to Chris to get better at, and I think he realizes that. he wants to be in the starting group, and he is working very hard to try and earn his way into that starting group."

COMPLETE ARTICLE

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It is getting to be slim pickings at this point, but don't kid yourself there is still value to be had:

RECAPS: Round One | Round Two | Round Three | Round Four | Round Five | Rounds 6-7

MY PICKS: I know that many will shy away from defenses, but really it depends on your scoring system to determine how valuable one is to you. In most leagues now, you get points for points allowed and yards allowed, in addtion to turnovers, sacks, and touchdowns. The Ravens' defense is money in the bank on all fronts. Plus, there are so many backups I still have targeted it will work out. Dustin Keller is just another example of how deep the tight end crop is this year. Going after one early is not a bad move, but if you wait you will still find viable starting options.

BEST VALUE PICKS: Fred Jackson (value goes up w/Lynch out); Ray Rice (one of my sleepers); Steve Breaston (worth a look at WR3); Chris Henry (a ton of upside at pick 108)

MOST LIKELY TO DISAPPOINT: Darren Sproles (if LT is healthy he will see numbers drop); Jerricho Cotchery (no Coles/no Favre)

FINAL TAKE: In general some solid picks here once again. The trend of running back depth continues to hold true as many solid RB4 and RB5 options are out there.

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Also posted on BleacherReport.com:

In a bit of surprise move Chad Ochocinco showed up to the Bengals’ OTA’s on Tuesday, a week earlier than expected.

He took a physical then participated in his first voluntary workout with the team since 2007.

After being quiet for most of the off-season, the disgruntled wideout has been talking quite a bit over the past week.

Bengals.com reported that Ochocinco spoke briefly with head coach Marvin Lewis last week and Monday was the first time he spoke with starting quarterback Carson Palmer since the end of last season.

"I need the fans to embrace me. I know people are mad at me. I read the message boards, but I've apologized 85 times," Ochocinco said. "If they can embrace me, I can spread my wings and be myself. When they're mad at me, I don't know if I can be myself. I'm an emotional guy."

He admitted that he came into last season without doing much conditioning and that lead to him getting hurt and being unproductive.

COMPLETE ARTILCE

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