Bengals vs Steelers:Preview         

Posted byLawrence LangPosted inBlitzers, NFLTags:,

By Bill Murphy 

The Bengals have won four in a row , after winning an overtime thriller against the Denver Broncos last week by a score of 30-24. Joe Burrow threw  39/49,412 yards and three touchdowns, all to Tee Higgins , including the game winner.  The Bengals are still in the playoff hunt they need a win and both  Miami and Denver to lose.  The Bengals are facing off against AFC North rival Pittsburgh Steelers  in a week 13  rematch , in which the Bengals lost 44-38. The Steelers are coming off of  a 29-10 , Christmas day loss against the defending super bowl champion  Kansas City Chiefs. With a win and a Ravens loss the Steelers can win the AFC North.

Keys to the Game 

Bengals 

Offense 

Joe Burrow 

Joe Burrow is currently on fire for the Bengals . Burrow has consecutive eight consecutive games where he has thrown at least 250 yards and three touchdowns.  Burrow would have to hit Ja’Marr Chase because Tee Higgins is currently questionable due to an ankle/ knee injury.  He would have to utilize Khail Herbert on the run game because Chase Brown might be miss the game due to an ankle injury. Burrow would have to hold down the fort on offense .

Defense 

Trey Hendrickson 

Hendrickson currently has 30 tackles ,  14 sacks and two forced fumbles.  Hendrickson got a  half sack  and one tackle for loss against the Broncos last week.  Hendrickson would be lethal weapon against the Steelers weak offensive line which has ranked 26th sack rate at 8.8 %.

Steelers 

Offense

Najaee Harris 

In eight of his last 11 games , Harris has rushed for 50 or more  yards.  Last week Harris had 74  yards on 13 carries against the strong Kansas City Rush Defense.  Harris is  facing a struggling Bengals rush defense that is 29th in defensive rush EPA  and 31st in rush defense success rate. 

Defense 

Cornerbacks 

With a Wide receiver duo like Higgins and Chase , the cornerbacks are going to have to come through . Cory Trice Jr. and Joey Porter are going to have cover both receivers. If Higgins is out due to injury they will have double up on Chase. 

Prediction Steelers 27 Bengals 24  

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