Michael Floyd Cardinals 2015
Cardinals receiver Michael Floyd is listed as questionable prior to Sunday's matchup with Cincinnati. Getty Images

Two of the NFL’s best squads will trot out for “Sunday Night Football” as the Arizona Cardinals host the Cincinnati Bengals, however both sides are dealing with critical injuries ahead of the matchup.

While owning a two-and-half-game lead in the AFC North, the Bengals are coming off their first loss of the season and have listed key defensive contributors like cornerback Adam Jones (foot), defensive tackle Pat Sims (knee), and defensive end Michael Johnson (back) as doubtful on Friday’s final injury report.

The potential loss of Jones, even for one game, could prove detrimental to Cincinnati’s efforts to stop Arizona’s top-ranked offense. Jones leads the Bengals with nine passes defensed and his second behind safety Reggie Nelson with two interceptions through nine games.

And though defensive end Carlos Dunlap and defensive tackle Geno Atkins have totaled 14.5 of the Bengals 26.0 total sacks this season, Johnson’s potential absence will leave Cincinnati shorthanded against a Cardinals offensive that’s allowed only 14 sacks all season, fifth-best in the NFL.

The Cardinals are also littered with injuries, especially on offense. Quarterback Carson Palmer could miss No. 2 receiver John Brown (hamstring) for the second time this season, and receiver Michael Floyd (hamstring) for the first time after he came up with his best game of the season with seven receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Both Brown and Floyd are listed as questionable.

Palmer’s line is expected to see guard Mike Iupati (neck/concussion) return even though he’s listed as questionable after he was taken off the field prematurely in Week 10’s huge victory over Seattle.

Guard Johnathan Cooper (knee) is listed as doubtful after missing practice all week, while center Lyle Senlein (shoulder) missed the first two days of practice before returning as a full participant on Friday and earning a probable status.

Meanwhile, defensive tackle Cory Redding (ankle) is the only Cardinal already listed as out ahead of Sunday’s inactive announcement.

Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET

TV Channel: NBC

Live Online: SNF All Access