For the second week in a row the Cincinnati Bengals will face a Manning at quarterback when Eli and the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants come to Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday.

It also will mark the third consecutive game in which they have played against a Super Bowl winning quarterback on the heels of visits from Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger and Denver’s Peyton Manning.

But if the Bengals are going to snap their four-game losing streak and get back in the mix of a jumbled AFC playoff picture, they are going to have to figure out a way to stop more than just Eli and the offense. The Giants have one of the most formidable front fours in the NFL that includes Pro Bowlers Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul and Osi Umenyiora.

“They’ve been able to use different coverages and get pressure with four,” Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said. “It’s been an effective recipe: blitz a linebacker or two here and there and be solid against the run.

“It’s a great test for us,” he added. “We welcome the challenge. Hopefully it’s a great coming-out for our offense.”

OFFENSE

Quarterback Eli Manning is coming off his worst performance since 2007 after completing just 10 of 24 passes for 125 yards with one interception last week against the Steelers, which is something Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton can empathize with after going 14 for 28 for 105 yards against the Steelers on Oct. 21.

Even with the dismal performance Sunday, Manning still ranks second in the NFL in passing yards (2,426). But with just 12 TD passes on the year, he’s on pace for his lowest total since his rookie year. And he ranks just 17^th in the league in passer rating (85.5).

Wide receiver Victor Cruz ranks fifth in receptions (57) and seventh in receiving yards (717).

The Giants rank 11th in the NFL in total offense (372.9) and ninth in passing (263.4). The running game, led by Ahmad Bradshaw, ranks middle of the pack at 15^th (109.4).

DEFENSE

Despite the big names on the defensive line and the team’s reputation for defense, the Giants have struggled somewhat in 2012.

They are allowing 382.3 yards per game, which ranks 25^th in the NFL. But that number is a little misleading because the team ranks second in the NFL in turnover differential (plus-14) and takeaways (28).

Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul leads the team with 6.5 sacks, while linebacker Michael Boley is among the NFL leaders in interceptions with three.

The Giants rank 19^th in rush defense (118.0 ypg) and 26^th against the pass (264.3).

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker Lawrence Tynes leads the NFL in field goals made (26) and attempted (29). No other kicker has more than 20 made FGs this season.

But the Giants have struggled when comes to punting. Steve Weatherford ranks 20^th in punting average (46.1) and 24^th in net average (38.4).

Their kick and punt return units also rank near the bottom of the league.

SERIES

The Bengals lead the series 5-3, and the home team has won all eight meetings. The last time the two teams played was 2008, when the Giants prevailed 26-23 in overtime.

The last game in Cincinnati was 2004, a 23-22 Bengals victory.