CINCINNATI -- Each week, our football staff at DK Pittsburgh Sports predicts the Steelers' result, along with sharing a few related thoughts.
For a full preview of this matchup with the Bengals, check my Kickoff.
Chris Halicke: The Steelers were swept by the eventual AFC champions last season. And despite having the burden of transitioning from Ben Roethlisberger's retirement and being 7-point underdogs, they're heading into the jungle with a healthy dose of confidence. That being said, I feel the offensive line is not where it needs to be to win a divisional matchup on the road against one of the better teams in the AFC. The defense will do all it can, but Joe Burrow will be handed too many snaps. Bengals, 26-20
Dale Lolley: If you watched the Bills against the Rams Thursday night, you saw an offensive line that hadn't played together in the preseason trying to operate against a talented and deep defensive front. And it wasn't pretty. The Rams have a talented offense, but they were breaking in new players and couldn't block the Bills. I see similar things here with the Bengals, who have four new starters on the line who didn't play a snap together in the preseason. It could take the Bengals a half or more to settle in. Upset special. Steelers, 24-20
Ramon Foster: If the Steelers can keep Burrow in the pocket and don't let him create on the run, they'll limit his damage. They can do that. They do it to Lamar Jackson all the time. The offense has weapons, and Mitch Trubisky can be one of them with his legs, too, but he's got to get the blocking. Dan Moore's got to show some fight at left tackle. I think it'll be close. Bengals, 23-17
Matt Williamson: Cincinnati is the more talented team and on paper, the Bengals should win this game. They are a tough team to find major weaknesses with. However, the lack of reps and continuity with the Bengals offensive line could be a huge problem. This is a good time to take on the Bengals. Bengals, 23-20
Eddie Provident: Despite all of the offensive weaponry these two teams have, this will be a low scoring affair thanks to the Steelers’ O-line’s struggles and the defense’s talent. Steelers, 17-13
Dejan Kovacevic: Believe it or not, I might be able to list more variables than not favor the visitors. For example, only one side has a T.J. Watt. Or a Minkah Fitzpatrick. Or a Cam Heyward. But not all facets, not all positional groups in football are created equal, and the O-line's a screamer in this particular setting. No blocking = no chance. Bengals, 34-9
Let's have your picks in the comments!