Brunell out for Jags

Jacksonville quarterback Mark Brunell will not play on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals because of a knee injury - hurting the Jaguars' bid to capture the AFC Central division title and home-field advantage in the conference play-offs.

Jacksonville quarterback Mark Brunell will not play on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals because of a knee injury - hurting the Jaguars' bid to capture the AFC Central division title and home-field advantage in the conference play-offs.

Brunell strained a ligament in his left knee in Sunday's 41-14 demolition at Tennessee, forcing Tom Coughlin to give former NFL Europe star Jay Fiedler his first NFL start.

Fiedler struggled as Brunell's replacement, completing a mere eight of 22 pass attempts for 101 yards and two interceptions against the Titans. He did not lead the Jaguars to any points as they slipped to their second defeat.

"I prepare every week as if I am going to be the starter," Fiedler said. "It's not going to be any different this week."

The Jaguars need a win to assure themselves of the division title over the Titans - and a bye during the first week of the play-offs.

If the Jags lose, and Tennessee beat Pittsburgh, the Titans will win the division and receive the first-round bye.

Jacksonville, also in a race with the Indianapolis Colts (13-2) to grab home-field advantage throughout the post-season, must maintain a superior victory margin in their conference wins.

They have scored 14 points more than Indianapolis in their victories so far.

The Colts, AFC East winners, have their hands full on Sunday at division rivals and play-off bound Buffalo Bills.