Aaron Rodgers won the MVP in 2011 after throwing 45 touchdowns and just six interceptions.
Aaron Rodgers won the MVP in 2011 after throwing 45 touchdowns and just six interceptions. Reuters

The Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati Bengals are set to square off on Thursday night in what will be each team's third NFL preseason game of 2012.

The contest gets under way at 7 p.m. ET at Paul Brown Stadium. If you don't live in one of the local television markets or can't get to a TV, you can watch a free live stream online by clicking here.

The Packers were the best team in the regular season last year, but are still winless in the preseason. They've been outscored 56-23 in two games against the Chargers and Browns.

Aaron Rodgers has struggled a bit in the exhibition season. He threw for just 16 yards and an interception in his 2012 debut. The quarterback improved in Week 2, completing six of 11 passes for 59 yards and a touchdown. Look for Rodgers to play close to three quarters in this one, as he tries to get back to his MVP form.

Green Bay has struggled through two games, but should be getting multiple key offensive weapons back when they take on Cincinnati.

Greg Jennings will make his 2012 debut after recovering from a concussion. Tight end Jermichael Finley will also take the field for the first time this year.

Cedric Benson is expected to play his first game as a Packer. The running back has accumulated more than 1,000 yards on the ground in each of the past three seasons. He looks to bolster the Green Bay rushing attack, which finished 27th last year in the NFL.

The Bengals, Benson's former team, have been very successful this preseason, winning both of their games. Cincinnati was one of the biggest surprises in the NFL in 2011, making it to the playoffs on the strength of one of the league's best defenses. They've continued their strong play on that side of the ball, allowing just 25 points in two games.

Cincinnati has been stopping opposing offenses, even while missing some key defenders. First-round draft pick Dre Kirkpatrick missed both games with a knee injury, and cornerbacks Adam Jones and Jason Allen also sat out with injuries. All three are expected to sit against Green Bay.

Defensive ends Carlos Dunlap and Robert Geathers will also miss the game.

Second-year quarterback Andy Dalton is doing his best to avoid a sophomore slump. He went 8-14 for 125 yards and a touchdown last week against the Falcons.

His top target, A.J. Green, picked up where he left off in 2011. He caught two balls for 59 yards and a touchdown.

Prediction: The Packers have struggled to score in the preseason, but Rodgers getting most of the snaps should change that. The Bengals have been stingy on defense, but Green Bay is getting back two of its biggest weapons on offense. They should be able to take advantage of a banged-up Cincinnati secondary.

Predicted Score: Green Bay 31, Cincinnati 14

National Football League