Steelers, Eagles unbeaten for in-state clash

Even without star running back Le’Veon Bell and emerging receiver Martavis Bryant — Bell finishes his three-game league suspension this weekend, while Bryant is suspended for the entire season — Pittsburgh’s offense has hummed. DeAngelo Williams leads the NFL in rushing in his 11th pro season, Antonio Brown is the game’s most dangerous wideout, and Ben Roethlisberger is making big plays.

“They don’t ask for a birth certificate before the game,” Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz says of the 33-year-old Williams.

“They don’t give you 9 yards (to gain a first down) if you are over 30. You’ve still got to get 10. He’s a patient runner, he’s compact, and he’s strong. He can test every area of your run gaps.”

The Steelers don’t have many run gaps; their rush defense ranks second. So Philly might need to rely once more on rookie quarterback Carson Wentz. He’s made a strong debut in wins over Cleveland and Chicago, but Pittsburgh isn’t anything like those two tailenders.

Eagles coach Doug Pederson pays Wentz quite a compliment when asked if he saw some Roethlisberger in the second overall draft pick.

“Little bit, little bit,” Pederson says.

“Carson has the ability to extend plays with his legs. Ben is big, strong, physical in the pocket, hard to bring down and continues to have great vision down the field.

“I think that’s one thing with Carson’s strength is he continues to have that vision down the field when things begin to break down.

“So, yeah, there are a lot of similarities there. The fact that they’re both very good throwers outside the pocket is a tribute to both of them.” As would be a 3-0 record.

Denver (2-0) at Cincinnati (1-1), 10 a.m., KLAS-8: The Broncos hit the road for the first time, and you can be sure they’ll be hitting anything that moves in a Bengals uniform. Denver’s defense is hellacious once more, especially against the pass, ranking second. Super Bowl MVP Von Miller already has four sacks.

On the other side, Cincinnati is dead last in rushing defense, and Broncos RB C.J. Anderson leads the NFL with seven runs of at least 10 yards. The Broncos have an NFLbest record in September over the past three seasons of 11-1.

San Francisco (1-1) at Seattle (1-1), 1 p.m., KVVU-5: The 49ers haven’t won in Seattle since late in the 2011 season. But Blaine Gabbert has thrown a TD pass in 12 straight games, had a 98.2 passer rating in his previous meeting with the Seahawks, and has found two unexpectedly proficient targets so far in TE Vance McDonald and WR Jeremy Kerley. Kerley leads the team with 10 receptions and McDonald has caught two of the 49ers’ three TD passes.

Seattle can’t find its offense and has some hobbled players in RB Thomas Rawls (shin), WR Doug Baldwin (knee) and WR Tyler Lockett (knee). All are expected to play, and Rawls rushed for 209 yards and a TD in the previous game vs. the 49ers.

Chicago (0-2) at Dallas (1-1), 5:20 p.m., KSNV-3: Dallas benefited from some poor play by Washington QB Kirk Cousins a week ago, and now could be looking at Bears backup Brian Hoyer or a banged-up (thumb) Jay Cutler. Both can be turnover machines.

Shockingly, the Cowboys have lost eight straight at home dating to last season’s opener. It might be tough for the struggling Bears to sneak out with a victory.

JARED WICKERHAM/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams, left, celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Antonio Brown against the Cincinnati Bengals last Sunday at Pittsburgh. Williams is leading the NFL in rushing in his 11th season and Brown is the game’s most...