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 (4-5): It was nice to see the Steelers rack up 217 yards rushing against the Saints. But, let's face it. That's a bad football team. Cincinnati's front four is far more formidable, which will make it far more difficult to establish the run. I believe T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith rushing the quarterback, along the three-safety look of Minkah Fitzpatrick, Terrell Edmunds and Damontae Kazee will help create negative plays and at least a couple turnovers. When all is said and done, the Bengals just have too much on offense, even without Ja'Marr Chase. Joe Burrow is the real deal, and they're coming off a bye seeking their first AFC North victory of the season. It'll be close. Bengals, 24-23
Matt Williamson (3-6): The Bengals are the more talented team with the far superior quarterback. Burrow is playing at an elite level and even without Chase in the picture, I expect Tee Higgins to more than pick up the slack. D.J. Reader being healthy is a real problem for the developing Steelers run game, but I do think Watt and company destroy the Bengals offensive line and keep this close. Bengals, 23-20
Ramon Foster (4-5): This defense, I think you get more reps out of T.J. this week. He created a terror for them, and Burrow kind of acknowledged it, like, "We didn't know what we were doing." I see the front line getting to it. I see this offense continuing to make a stand this week. And, they're at home. This group offensively took a step forward. And, I think if they compete somewhat with an almost stagnant Cincinnati team, then I see us winning at home. The crowd does play a part in this one too. Steelers, 21-17
Dejan Kovacevic (3-6): Was that defensive dominance in Cincinnati a mirage? Or even just an exaggeration? Well, yeah, probably. But with T.J. back, other pieces filled, and an offense that’s at least better than the zero-gain mess seen in that opener, plus home field, plus a fresh confidence boost … why not? Steelers, 24-23
Let's have your picks in the comments!