STEELERS @ BENGALS
Jason Barbin
In the only division rivalry game to take place in week 14, the 1st ranked Cincinnati Bengals (8-3-1) host the 3rd ranked Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) in a game that will go a long way in decided who wins the tightly contested AFC North division. The Bengals are coming off a rough road win in Tampa Bay while the Steelers are looking to bounce back after a tough loss to the Saints.
The Steelers has always be renowned for having a tough defense and this year is no different. They currently rank 12th in the league for yards allowed per game (347.9 average) and have been improving as the season has gone on. They are led by hard-nosed inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons who has 99 tackles on the season to go along with 2 sacks. But the real playmaker of this defense is cornerback William Gay who has totalled 48 tackles this season, but has also returned 2 interceptions for touchdowns.
Their offense is still led by big bad Ben Roethlisberger. He has been the man under centre for nearly a decade and still continues to provide them with consistent numbers. Big Ben has thrown for 3705 yards and 26 touchdowns so far this season. But this season two young players have stepped up their game to become dangerous targets. Running back Le’Veon Bell has been outstanding, rushing for 1046 yards and three touchdowns while also catching 65 passes for 643 yards and two touchdowns. Wide Receiver Antonio Brown is also having a pro bowl calibre season, catching 96 passes for 1258 yards and 11 touchdowns.
For the Bengals, their defense was the backbone of their team last season but having lost some key players in the offseason, this defense has taken a step back in 2014/15. Ranking 14th for passing yards allowed, giving up 238.9 yards per game, their two best defensive players have been safeties George Iloka and Reggie Nelson who have combined for 134 tackles and 5 interceptions. Defensive end Carlos Dunlap has been their best rusher, sacking the quarterback six times and forcing two fumbles.
Offensively, this team is led by the inconsistent Andy Dalton. The 4th year pro is having an average season throwing for 2589 yards and 13 touchdowns but also throwing 13 interceptions. Their strength has been their running game. Twin backs, Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard have been decent starting options for the Bengals, combining for over 1000 yards and 11 touchdowns throughout the season. Wide receiver Mohamed Sanu has been a pleasant surprise as well, catching 51 passes for 738 yards and five touchdowns.
This game will be like all other AFC North division games. Fierce. I expect neither team to go in soft and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few hard tackles appear on the highlight reel. Could go either way but I think Dalton will have a good week and steer the Bengals over the line.
CINCINNATI by 3.