Steelers @ Bengals Week 13 Preview: So There's a Chance Edition

With the loss on Sunday night two weeks ago, the Bengals were likely (but not quite officially) eliminated from the 2024 NFL Playoffs. I know, I know, there's a chance.

But let's not get our hopes up. First, it would require Cincy to go undefeated the rest of the way, something they've been absolutely unable to do this season (stringing together wins). Second, it would require at least two of the following teams - Miami, Denver, or the Chargers - to crater out and go either winless or to only win one more game. If that happens, and that's a huge if, then yes, the Bengals could sneak into the playoffs. I wouldn't bet the house payment on that though.

Steelers (8-3) @ Bengals (4-7)

Line - Bengals -2.5 O/u 46.5

Series - Steelers lead 70-39

Last matchup - Pittsburgh 34-11 on December, 23 2023 in Pittsburgh, PA

Looking Ahead

Since this season is likely going nowhere, and has gotten there extremely fast, we're going to start looking at possible draft selections to shore up the defense, and it IS the defense that needs shoring up. Though the possibility does exist that an extremely attractive offensive piece falls through the cracks and lands in the Bengals' lap.

The defense has failed this team and badly. When you have an offense like Cincinnati's a nice middle-of-the-road defense is all you should need, unless you happen to be the 2010 Chargers and God hates you, so we're going to start there.

First, Trey Hendrickson (who leads the NFL in sacks w/ 11.5) is the only EDGE player you have that scares anyone. While Hendrickson has put together a Pro Bowl-type season, no one else on the Bengals has managed to put together three sacks. You read that right. The number two leader in sacks is Sam Hubbard with two; that's it, those are the only players with more than a single sack playing for the Bengals this season. So EDGE is where we're starting, the Bengals need more pressure on opposing QBs. If they can manage that, the secondary gets better even if you don't change anything.

Next, the (above mentioned) secondary, The Bengals are, as of this writing, are residing in the bottom third of the league with regards to passing yards per game (23rd/226YPG) which isn't helping the atrocious scoring defense (28th/27PPG allowed). Yes, the almost complete lack of a pass rush is putting a lot of weight on the corners but they need to be better. The Bengals have spent a good amount of draft capital over the last few years, but unfortunately they either are hurt or haven't panned out (that may be the issue as easily as the injuries).

We'll look deeper into the needs next week, until then, enjoy this week's AFC North match up.

Bits and Baubles

The Bengals haven't beaten a team this season with a winning record. The Week 8 matchup with Philadelphia is the only loss that the Bengals have that is by more than a single possession. Evan McPherson, who missed two 2nd half FGs against the Chargers, is undergoing his worst season as a pro hitting only 71.4% of his kicks (15 of 21).

The Steelers' next victory would assure them of their 21st straight season of finishing .500 or better, tying the longest since the AFL-NFL merger (Dallas 1965-1985). Pittsburgh is 9-1 in their past ten games following a TNF matchup, they've beaten Cincinnati twice in those ten wins.

Injury Report

Bengals

Sheldon Rankins - DT - OUT (Illness)

DJ Turner - CB - OUT/IR (Broken collarbone)

Charlie Jones - WR - Doubtful (Groin)

Logan Wilson - LB - Questionable (Knee)

Orlando Brown Jr. - OT - Questionable (Knee)

Steelers

Montraviouis Adams - DT - OUT (Knee)

Corey Trice - CB - OUT (Hamstring)

Alex Highsmith - LB - Questionable (Ankle)

Fantasy Advice

Tee Higgins should be a must start for you this week, with the Steelers' secondary likely double-teaming Ja'Marr Chase, he should have more favorable matchups, and he's averaging almost ten targets per game. Chase Brown has become a full-fledged part of the passing game; after not being targeted more than three times in the first seven games, he has averaged just under seven targets a game the last four weeks.

With the Bengals secondary being as porous as it is and as good as the Bengals' passing attack is, expecting a shootout is hardly crazy. so, starting George Pickens as well as Pat Freiermuth, and possibly even Calvin Austin (though he'll be a boom-or-bust option) should all be in play. Expect K Chris Boswell to continue putting up points as the Steelers' offense continues to fail in the Red Zone, he's currently averaging over 10 (real world) points per game.

Prediction

Bengals 38-34