Breaking Down the Steelers Trip to Cincy

The Bengals have been competitive the past few weeks, but the record shows right now that the team is 0-6, and this Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium the team hosts a team that has dominated them there over the past decade – the Pittsburgh Steelers. At 4-1, the Steelers right now own the lead in the AFC North, and through the first month plus of the season, seem like the front runner to win their second straight AFC North title.

Cincy has problems all over the place. They can’t run the ball, their O-line is in shambles, the team is already on their second QB, and the defense isn’t doing enough. Even with that, in three of their last four losses they have given a good fight to the Giants, Cowboys and Jets.

Ryan Fitzpatrick will start vs the Steelers, and it could be a long day for the young thrower. Last week vs the Jets he wasn’t very good, and he has completed 60.3 percent of his passes for an average of 154 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. You can bet that Dick LeBeau and the Steelers defense will be licking their chops at the thought of going up against the youngster.

As for the Bengals D, they are hoping upon all hope that the Steelers will be without RB Willie Parker. The back has owned the Bengals, averaging 130.3 yards per game on the ground and has four touchdowns in three starts. His knee may keep him from going, or going much, but the Steelers will still run and run alot with Parker, or with Mewelde Moore, who had a great game two weeks ago vs Jacksonville.

Ben Roethlisberger was able to get a bit healthy in the bye week, and should continue to play well as he has also had some strong games vs the Bengals. He threw for 309 yards and three touchdowns vs the Jags in the 26-21 win on Sunday night two weeks back. Roethlisberger has completed 70.4 percent of his passes and has thrown nine touchdowns against three interceptions in five career games at PBS.

So can the Bengals actually hang with the mighty Steelers? No. This will be another example of the Steelers making a march towards the AFC North title, while the Bengals will be 0-7 and while they will play hard for about a half, the Steelers have too much on defense and in the running game and should win by 14 to 17 points.