Steelers vs. Bengals: Game Preview & Prediction
Nov 1, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) sits on the ground after an incomplete pass as Cincinnati Bengals safety Reggie Nelson (20) and defensive end Wallace Gilberry (95) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Bengals won the game 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
An important AFC North showdown with playoff implications as well as possible home-field advantage implications on the line. Two teams with a head full of steam, both headed for a collision course in Paul Brown Stadium. Let’s get into the preview of the matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals.
More from NFL News
- Patriots News & Rumors: Ezekiel Elliott talks fun in Foxboro; Mills to Packers?
- NFC East Buzz: Isaiah Simmons trade, Deuce Vaughn praise, Eagles rumors & more
- Should Trey Lance be considered an NFL draft bust?
- Jonathan Taylor trade rumors: 3 most alluring fits for Colts star running back
- Tua Tagovailoa: keep ‘my name out of your mouth’; Dolphins QB sends strong message
Why Pittsburgh May Win:
It’s no secret to what fuels the Steelers and that’s the hottest band in Pittsburgh: Big Ben and The Pass Catchers. Despite only being limited to eight games, QB Ben Roethlisberger has had a major hand in the Steelers being sixth in points per game, second in total yards, and first in yards per play. Of course, that wouldn’t be possible without the lethal duo of WRs Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant. The fact that Pittsburgh’s offense is accomplishing all of this without the franchise running back in Le’Veon Bell is remarkable. Some of that is credited to the offseason pick-up of former Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams.
Although the defense has been a headache at times this season, the unit is a classic bend-but-don’t-break defense. This is evident on the stat sheet, as they are seventh overall in scoring defense, but 22nd in yards allowed. The front seven has had it’s moments with LB Ryan Shazier, LBs James Harrison and Bud Dupree leading the charge. Pittsburgh is fresh off a three takeaway game against the Colts and need to generate that type of production against a stellar Bengals team.
” Two teams with a head full of steam, both headed for a collision course in Paul Brown Stadium.”
Why Cincinnati May Win:
At 10-2, the Bengals are knocking on the door for home-field advantage and a #1 seed. First thing on the agenda is to sweep the Steelers. Quarterback Andy Dalton is in the midst of dynamic season with 3,191 yards, 25 TDs, and six INTs. He’s the driver of a balanced offense in Cincinnati that’s fourth in scoring and eighth in total offense. Pittsburgh made Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard a non-factor on the ground back in week eight but had trouble containing WR AJ Green as he produced 118 yards and a TD.
However, the defense accomplished the difficult task of controlling Brown and Bryant as they were held to under 100 yards combined back in the previous matchup. The Bengals talented defense is one of the grittiest units in the game today as they are first in points allowed and tenth overall. Keep an eye on FS Reggie Nelson as his two INTs in Week eight played a major hand in handing the Steelers a loss.
Who Will Win: Expect a knock-down, dragged-out fight between two teams that is growing into a heated rivalry. The Bengals did an excellent job of neutralizing the passing attack of the Steelers which took out the wheels of Pittsburgh’s offense and limited them to just ten points in the first matchup. Pittsburgh is getting hot at the right time but they are also 2-3 on the road this season. If Cincy can make Bryant and Brown a non-factor once more, I can’t see Pittsburgh devising other ways to knock off this talented Bengals squad. Bengals 24 Steelers 17