Bengals v Steelers

Five weeks ago, the Bengals were favored by 2.5 points playing at Pittsburgh. The Bengals won that game by a touchdown and it could have been worse.

This Sunday, the Bengals are playing at home against the same Steeler team. The Bengals are healthier now then they were then. Did I mention they are at home? Regardless, the Bengals are 3-point underdogs.

Has the NFL always been like this? Opinions on teams are seemingly changing play by play. It’s unbelievable. And it is not even the pundits. Cincinnati fans are already calming themselves with statements like ‘well, whatever happens, it has been a great season’. What a miserable thing to say. That’s like a general marching into a suicide mission with overmatched troops. ‘Whatever happens men, it has been an honor to serve with you.’ Good lord, since when did the orange and black become lambs being led to slaughter? Where are those ‘we’ll be back here in February’ signs I saw in Detroit last month?

The Steelers defense, who gave up 38 points to Cincinnati, has not gotten any better. They beat Chicago, a team who at the time was steered by Kyle Orton. They shut down Minnesota and Cleveland – both these teams are near the bottom in every offensive category. They outlasted Detroit, who still managed to negotiate three touchdowns. They will be scored on.

The Steelers can run the ball. That has not changed. The Bengals will struggle to contain it. But they will, at a price. Fortunately, it will be at a price they can afford.

The Bengals can contain the pass. The Bengals can contain the run. Unfortunately, they cannot do both at the same time. Whatever. Against Pittsburgh, the Bengals are going to chose to load up on the run. 8 men in the proverbial box every down. Make them throw.

And they will throw with success. Therefore the game turns into an aerial contest. So take your pick. Would you rather have Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, TJ Houshmanzadeh, Chris Henry and Chris Perry or Ben Roethlisberger, Hines Ward, Antwaan Randle El and Heath Miller? That’s not even a debate.

The Bengals are going to score early and win the turnover battle. The Bengals are going to win. And that bandwagon is going to fill back up in a hurry.

Cincinnati – 33 Pittsburgh - 31

*I spelled TJs name correctly without looking it up. I should get a free soda or something.