Week in Review: Stripe Hype Week 7 Picks: Can Bengals Keep Slim Playoff Hopes Alive?

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Dec 4, 2011; Pittsburgh , PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is sacked by Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Domata Peko (94) during the first half of the game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE

Alex Peterman

In a must-win game for the Bengals and Steelers, I find myself caught up in the needs of both teams. A loss for either of the two presents a panic situation with an uphill climb in the schedule. While the defenses have been key in past years between these two teams, this year has shown us that the AFC North has presented us with a set a very explosive offenses. Unfortunately for these two teams, their defense has become almost non-existent. The game will ultimately be decided by which defense shows up the other, and I think Steelers injuries will play a significant role in that. Three or four points are going to decided this game, but I’ll take Cincinnati at home, with the Bengals front seven making the difference on Sunday Night Football. That being said, it may come down to who has the football last.

Bengals 24 Steelers 21

Shawn Maher

Despite the Bengals’ recent skid, the Sunday night match-up against the Steelers comes at an opportune time Pittsburgh’s lengthy injury list, including Troy Polamalu. Even though the Bengals could take advantage of the weaknesses on defense and the offensive line, it is hard to discount the damage that Ben Roethlisberger, Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders can do. The Bengals have home-field advantage, but the Steelers have had a long week to prepare after playing on Thursday night.

The match-up looks pretty much even, but the Steelers’ propensity to show up on the big stage and desire to bounce back from a loss to the Titans gives them the slight edge.

Steelers 27, Bengals 24

Jerod Livengood

The Steelers are banged up on defense, and Cincinnati knows their season is just about riding on this one game. Andy Dalton finally makes it through an entire game without an interception and the Bengals pull it out in a squeaker.

Bengals 27, Steelers 24.

Trevor Long

We always do well against the Steelers when Polamalu doesn’t play, and well, he’s out! Not to mention a rookie against Carlos Dunlap, and Pouncey possibly out. I can’t see us running too well, but I can see doing just enough with the law firm fall forward running style. Also Andy needs to shut us up about him not beating good teams, now’s your chance Andy.

Bengals 24-20

Mel Payne

This is going to be a good divisional matchup on Sunday. For the first time in a long time, the Bengals and Steelers are more evenly matched coming in to the game. Both teams will be looking for a much needed win and both offenses will put it all on the line. My prediction is that the injuries and fourth quarter issues are too much for the Steelers to overcome and the Bengals ride Andy Dalton’s arm to a 21-17 victory.

Sean McMahon

Since I live in Pittsburgh, I have watched every Steelers game this season, along with the Bengals games. The Steelers are going to be in panic mode, as are the Bengals. This game will easily be the game of the week and could pretty much tell which of these two teams is truly in the playoff contention. The Bengals have allowed every rookie they played to play well, imagine how Big Ben will fair against this defense? However, with that said, the Steelers defense isn’t what it once was. If the Bengals open up the playbook and actually make this game into a shootout, the Bengals win. And I believe that will happen.

Bengals win: 35-31

Jason Marcum

The Bengals are in the midst of an 0-for-9 streak against the Ravens and the Steelers. Because they lost to the Browns and the Dolphins, they’ve put themselves in a position they’ll have to snap that streak in order to have any hopes of making the playoffs. The Steeelrs, at just 2-3, will also be in desperation mode Sunday, making this a contest that will be competitive to the very end, and will likely go the way of the team that makes the fewest mistakes and critical turnovers, something the Bengals just can’t seem to avoid right now.

Bengals 24, Steelers 28

Guttersnake

The Bengals are reeling from dropping two games in a row rather than rivaling a wounded Ravens team with a 5-1 record. The idea of surrendering what remains of the AFC North to the Steelers in Prime Time can’t be sitting well in the locker room. Other than the running game, Cincinnati is getting healthy while Pittsburgh is suffering attrition. Regardless, with Mendenhall and Redman touch-and-go, the game will be a shoot out between two Pro-Bowl quarterbacks and two beat-up secondaries. Expect fireworks for all 4 quarters. Despite the Steelers coming off their Bye and an extended rest after a Thursday night loss, I’m hedging the Bengals nonetheless.
38-33 Cincinnati on top.

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