Bengals (2-5-1) at Steelers (8-0)
Sunday, 4:25 ET, Heinz Field, Pittsburgh
TV:
Danny Sheridan’s line:
Fox
Steelers by 8
Bengals’ keys to victory: It seems Cincinnati has found its franchise quarterback with Joe Burrow. He is lighting up the box scores even if it isn’t working out to wins. The Bengals must protect the rookie and allow him to make plays. They are coming off their bye week and should be prepared to play spoiler. On defense, the Bengals have to unravel the mystery of which wide receiver will QB Ben Roethlisberger highlight but they must account for all of them.
Steelers’ keys to victory: Fatigue is setting in, especially on defense, so depth will be key. DT Isaiah Buggs has a ton of potential but must be better, especially against the run. The same goes for LB Robert Spillane. Offensively, Pittsburgh has to find a way to be more consistent running the football and not give up so soon. RB James Conner is a talented player but is the first option to be sidelined when the team goes passheavy.
Matchup to watch: Bengals offensive tackles vs. Steelers’ pass rushers. LB T.J. Watt and LB Bud Dupree are the most formidable pass-rush tandem in the NFL. But they go long stretches where they cannot win one-on-ones. If the Bengals can keep them in check, it will make life easier for Burrow.
Who wins? It would be easy to look at the 2-5-1 Bengals going against the 8-0 Steelers and call for a Pittsburgh blowout. But after watching how poorly the Steelers played against a struggling Dallas team on its fourth quarterback, this one could be too close to call. Being at home helps the Steelers.
Steelers 28-21
– Curt Popejoy Steelers Wire