NFL Predictions WK 17: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers

The division is at state between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals.  Who comes out with the win?  Here is the NFL predictions.

Subplots:

Andy Dalton will get a taste of playoff ball from Ben Roethlisberger

The contrast in the divisional showdown between the AFC North rivals is best exemplified by their quarterbacks.  All Andy Dalton has done since entering the league is try to find a way to win in the playoffs.  Contrasting to that, Ben Roethlisberger  has two rings and three Super Bowl trips to his credit.  The Bengals aren’t in the playoffs yet but this game might as well be an extension of them.  It will be the hostile, high stakes sort of atmosphere they can expect in January.  How they and their quarterback perform will tell a lot about.

Key Matchups:

Jeremy Hill vs. Steelers front seven

Injuries at wide receiver means the Bengals will gear their offensive game plan around their fierce ground attack, which means heavy doses of breakout rookie Jeremy Hill.  The Steelers will put their renewed pride at stopping the run on the line.  For the season they are allowing just 99.3 yards per game on the ground, good for 6th in the league.  How they hold up will tell a big tale in this game.

Martavis Bryant vs. Dre Kirkpatrick

Where the Cincinnati Bengals have built their reputation for 2014 in terms of defense is in the red zone.  They give up yards but not a lot of points (21.1).  That means they don’t let the opponent in the end zone too often.  It’s a tall order for them in Pittsburgh when they go against emerging rookie Martavis Bryant.  The Clemson product is 6’4″ and become a big target for Roethlisberger in the end zone (7 TDs).  Guarding him will fall to Bengals corner Dre Kirkpatrick, who has the 6’2″ frame to match up and the hot hand with three INTs in the past two games.

Pick:  CIN 24, PIT 31