Cincinnati ? Chad Johnson leaned toward the tape recorders, ready to make another prediction.

“Do you want to hear one?” he said.

The Cincinnati Bengals’ chatty receiver paused a second for drama, then shook his head.

“Naw. I’m going to keep it quiet this week,” he said. “Next week I’ll be back to my old self.”

No teasing with antacids, no take-it-to-the-bank boasts. Leading up to the Bengals’ first Monday night game in a dozen years, the gifted receiver with an affinity for the spotlight decided to keep it strictly low-watt.

Some of it has to do with his horrible performance in his last game. Some of it might also have to do with what’s in store when the Bengals (1-4) play the Denver Broncos (5-1), a game more intriguing for its subplots.

This one tops the list: Champ Bailey covering Chad Johnson.

Champ vs. Chad. Pro Bowler vs. Pro Bowler. Shutdown cornerback vs. the receiver who never shuts up.