Two years ago, Kansas City went into Cincinnati with a 9-0 record, and left 9-1.

So the Bengals have some experience at what they face Sunday, when Indianapolis, the NFL’s only unbeaten team, comes to town. At 9-0, the Colts are at the point where members of the 1972 Dolphins, the last team to go through a season without a loss, start watching.

Reason and a tough finishing schedule say the Colts will lose a game or two. Or even three if they decide to tank one at the end, when everything is clinched.

But it also says it’s probably not this week, even though these Bengals (7-2) are far superior to the 2003 Cincinnati team that finished 8-8.

For one thing, these Colts, 51â2-point favorites, are better than those Chiefs. For another, the matchups don’t work for Cincinnati, especially Edgerrin James running against a defense that surrenders 4.7 yards a rush.

And for a third, the Bengals still are young and brash, treating a victory over Indianapolis as an end in itself instead of viewing it as part of a larger picture – such as trying to win the AFC North, or at least getting a wild-card playoff berth. This, after all, is a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 1990, the longest drought in the NFL.

And Marvin Lewis seems to have reached Chad Johnson.

“There’s no need for me to guarantee a victory. No point,” Johnson said. “We’re 7-2. We are one of the best teams in the NFL right now. So there’s no need for me to go out on a limb like that.”

Still, the Bengals do seem more excited about the prospect of knocking off the Colts than Indianapolis seems to be about the potential of an unbeaten season.

COLTS, 24-17

Kansas City (minus 6) at Houston

Seems like upset time.

TEXANS, 16-12

Tampa Bay (plus 6) at Atlanta

The Falcons should be angry after an awful loss to Green Bay. It won’t matter this week whether Jon Gruden goes for 2.

FALCONS, 23-12

Philadelphia (plus 71â2) at New York Giants

Both teams have to bounce back from horrible losses. With Mike McMahon in for Donovan McNabb …

GIANTS, 21-16

Carolina (minus 3) at Chicago

The Panthers are a little apprehensive about playing in cold weather.

They’ll survive.

PANTHERS, 17-9

Detroit (plus 8) at Dallas

The two Thanksgiving home teams. The Cowboys are quirky. The Lions are quirkier.

COWBOYS, 24-11

Minnesota (plus 31â2) at Green Bay (Monday night)

The Vikings won’t get three return TDs again.

PACKERS, 31-30

Oakland (plus 6) at Washington

The Raiders score on the last play and make a 2-pointer as Norv Turner sticks it to Dan “The Fan” Snyder, his old boss.

RAIDERS, 28-27

Buffalo (plus 10) at San Diego

The Bills got beaten 38-17 in Oakland. The Chargers are better than the Raiders.

CHARGERS, 39-17.

Pittsburgh (off) at Baltimore

Off because no one knows who plays QB for Pittsburgh. Try Randle El.

STEELERS, 16-15

New Orleans (plus 10) at New England

Patriots castoff Antowain Smith is averaging 4.8 yards per carry while the Pats play a fullback at tailback.

PATRIOTS, 38-23

Seattle (plus 121â2) at San Francisco

The 49ers keep it close at home. But not too close.

SEAHAWKS, 31-13

New York Jets (plus 13) at Denver

The Jets have 10 players on injured reserve.

BRONCOS, 27-9

Arizona (plus 9) at St. Louis

Kurt Warner’s first trip back to the Dome that made him famous.

RAMS, 28-10

Jacksonville (minus 4) at Tennessee

Another step on the Jags’ quiet playoff push.

JAGUARS, 19-13

Miami (plus 3) at Cleveland

Saban and Crennel are both former Belichick defensive coordinators.

CRENNEL, 19-18

LAST WEEK: 6-8 (spread); 9-5 (straight up).

SEASON: 60-82-2 (spread); 93-51 (straight up).