Around the AFC North: Week 7 Preview

Oct 1, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back

(26) runs the ball as Baltimore Ravens defensive end

(R) defends during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bengals have the week off, but the NFL keeps on chugging along in week seven. Cincinnati is the only team in the division with a bye; Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Cleveland will all be playing games on Sunday. And while Cincinnati will be resting on Sunday, they’ll definitely be watching; these games could have a huge impact on Cincinnati’s division lead. Here is a preview of the AFC North’s week seven match ups.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Kansas City Chiefs

The Pittsburgh Steelers look to make it 3-1 without Ben Roethlisberger, who is still questionable to play, as they head to Arrowhead Stadium to face the 1-5 Kansas City Chiefs. This has the makings of a trap game for the Steelers, since they seem to have at least one every year. The Steelers will be without Kelvin Beachum and Maurkice Pouncey on the front line after losing both to significant injuries, so Landry Jones and Le’Veon Bell will be carrying Pittsburgh’s weight on their shoulders.

It will be the defensive side of the ball however that the Steelers will need to continue their dominance. Last week, the Steel Curtain held the Cardinals in check, it has held Philip Rivers in check before that, and it has been the superior of Pittsburgh’s two units on a weekly basis. And with both safety Will Allen, and defensive end Stephon Tuitt out this week, the rest of the defense will have to play even better.

The Chiefs will be without Jamaal Charles as he is out for the season, but Jeremy Maclin should return to action after suffering a concussion last week. That will be good news for Alex Smith; he’s been very mediocre in 2015 and, facing the Steelers’ tough defense, will have his work cut out for him.

Next: Ravens at Arizona Cardinals