This is a risky move playing the Bengals today given this coaching staff has been around forever and they still can’t win a playoff game, but maybe it helps that they are facing an opponent they are very familiar with in their division rival Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are coming in with way too much hype, and have been out gained in 3 of their last 4 games. I’m taking the home dog here, with the better running game and defense. The Steelers now on their 3rd RB with DeAngelo Williams declared out for this game, and I think that falls into the advantage of the Bengals who will give up yards on the ground. Cinci has held Big Ben under 300 yards passing in both games, and are going to make it extremely difficult for him to score.

The Bengals offensively are guided by A.J. McCarron today with Dalton being declared out, and it’s funny because McCarron is getting absolutely no respect, and I think I’d want to back a guy like this who has done nothing but win in his career. Granted he played with Alabama, but he has the more talented team surrounding him here today and I think he plays smart football giving the Bengals a win. The Bengals are actually better in the red zone 5th in fact in TD%, while the Steelers are 10th and the Bengals are 5th in defense, and are only allowing 33.3% TD’s in the red zone at home while the Steelers are allowing 55.56% on the road.
That would mean this game comes down to the Big plays. If the Bengals can eliminate them they should win this game. The Steelers are 5th in Big play % and ironically 47 have been from running while 43 are in the passing game. The Bengals are 2nd in big plays allowed in the running game, and 2nd in opponent big play passing games. Another thing people don’t typically take a look at is special teams and the Bengals are much better in that department than the Steelers.

Where to find Freddy?