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I keep doubting that the Bengals can squeak into the playoffs and for the last few weeks they keep proving me wrong. They still need help, needing the Dolphins and the Broncos to drop their week 18 games against a dysfunctional Jets team and a Chiefs team that will be sitting everyone including the first-string ushers. With that said and, the way this season has gone, to think that those teams can't drop their final game, even against bad competition, is just crazy, especially in a season where Sam Darnold will probably get votes for MVP.
Bengals (8-8) @ Steelers (10-6)
Kickoff - 8p ESPN/ABC/ESPN+
Line - Bengals -1.5 O/u 48.5
Series - Steelers lead 71-39
Last matchup - Steelers 44-38 on December 1, 2024
Draft Lookahead - Running Backs
While it's doubtful that the Bengals are going to be looking at Ashton Jeanty or Omarion Hampton for their first pick, even more so because Chase Brown has done an excellent job in the second half of the season, they will need to take a back at some point in this draft. We'll be looking at some backs that they could target in the later rounds.
Nick Singleton - Penn State - With bell cow size, every down back ability, and great footwork, Singleton won't last long, but he could be available in the second round when Cincinnati picks.
Devin Neal - Kansas - Similar to Singleton, Neal has great vision and the ability to contribute as either a runner or catching the ball. He's not as powerful and needs to improve his strength which leads to his two biggest weaknesses- blocking in pass protection and the ability to get the tough yards in short distance situations.
RJ Harvey - UCF - He's a touch smaller than you'd like as a back, and might be smaller than listed (we'll see what the combine has him at) and can be TOO patient waiting for a hole to open up, but Harvey runs with great pad level, vision, and when he gets into the open field, he has another gear.
Damien Martinez - Miami (FL) - A big, bruising back who runs with patience and good pad level. Martinez is deceptively agile laterally and can contribute as a pass protector when not running the ball. Unfortunately he doesn't have top-end speed and is limited in the passing game.
Bits and Baubles
Last week's OT win over Denver was the first win of the season for Cincinnati over a team with a .500 or better record. Ja'Marr Chase can possibly win the receiving Triple Crown today with a big game, he currently leads with 117 receptions (Amon-Ra St. Brown has 109), 1,612 yards (Justin Jefferson has 1,479), and 16 TDs (Terry McLaurin has 12). If he does so he would be the first Bengals receiver and only the third receiver to accomplish the feat in the last thirty years.
The Steelers have lost three consecutive games and have given up 400+ yards in each loss. Tonight's game will likely be the last in a Steelers uniform for Najee Harris. The only plyer in Steelers history to rush for 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons with the team had his 5th year option declined last spring.
Injury Report
Bengals
Sheldon Rankins - DT - OUT/NFIL (Illness)
Jermaine Burton - WR - OUT (Coach's Decision)
Sam Hubbard - DE - Out (Knee)
Chase Brown - RB - Questionable (Ankle)
Charlie Jones - WR - Questionable (Groin)
Amarius Mims - OT - Questionable (Hand)
Drew Sample - TE - Questionable (Groin)
Cam Taylor-Britt - CB - Questionable (Ankle)
Steelers
Logan Lee - DT - OUT (Calf)
Roman Wilson - WR - OUT (Hamstring)
Cole Holcomb - LB - OUT (Knee)
Donte Jackson - CB - Questionable (Back)
Prediction
Bengals 31-27
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