The Steelers lead the all-time regular season series with the Bengals, 46-30, and have won the last four straight over Cincinnati since last losing a game in the series, at home in 2006. Pittsburgh won 38-10 when the clubs met in Week 7 at Cincinnati, and swept last year\’s home-and-home. The Steelers come into Week 12 ranked No. 1 in the league in total defense allowing just 237.6 yards per game, rushing defense allowing only 68.9 yards per game, passing defense which has only allowed an average of 168.7 yards per game, 3 yards allowed per carry, rushes surrendered of 20 yards or longer (1), is tied for the league lead in sacks with 36, and is currently No. 2 in scoring defense at 15 points per game. The Steelers will be without the services of cornerbacks Bryant McFadden and Deshea Townsend who are recovering from injuries.
The Steelers come off a week offense wise in which they managed 24 first downs and 410 net yards without a turnover, but still couldn\’t get in the endzone against the Chargers. The Steelers look to get starting tight end Heath Miller back in some capacity tonight and will look to run on a Bengals defense that is ranked 23rd in the league versus the run and giving up an average of 131.1 yards per game. Willie Parker looks to have a monster game. The Bengals also rank next-to-last in the NFL with just 11 sacks. If the Bengals concentrate on stopping the run, the Steelers should be able to strike for some big plays in the passing game.
The Bengals benched Chad Johnson this morning for violating team rules so the Steelers can concentrate entirely on wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. The Steelers will force the Bengals to grind it out by running the ball and protecting their own quarterback.
This one looks to be a laugher and I am willing to bet we see Palmer play. Jordan Palmer that is, the younger brother of starting quarterback Carson Palmer.
Prediction: Steelers 38 Bengals 9
