Steelers vs. Bengals: Why this Sunday will be a bounce-back performance for Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals predicted outcome

I expect the score to be similar to the week four contest between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. With all the factors I have mentioned, look for Pittsburgh on offense to also dominate the time of possession.

This leads me to a predicted outcome of 20-9 with Pittsburgh defeating Cincy at home. Now, let’s look at what the other Still Curtain contributors predicted for this week’s matchup:

Contributor’s week 12 picks

Contributor Week 12 explanations

“The Steelers are coming off an ugly road loss to the Browns that ended in chaos. Things should settle down a bit this week as they face the 0-10 Cincinnati Bengals. Despite Pittsburgh’s success on defense this year, they haven’t been able to gain any steam on the offensive side of the ball. Because of this, Pittsburgh opens as just 6.5 point favorites over the NFL’s worst team. Still, they should be able to take care of business in Cincinnati, barring another dreadful performance from Mason Rudolph.”- Tommy Jaggi

“Pittsburgh has a lot of injuries and trouble moving the ball. The Bengals will surprise this week with an upset.”- Edward Hunt

“In a classic ‘A Tale of Two Halves,’ Rudolph leads Pittsburgh to a 3-17 halftime deficit against the winless Bengals. Hodges then takes over, resulting in a 20-17 Steelers win that includes a ‘walk-off’ Boswell FG.”- James Perry Kelly

“After a disappointing loss to the Browns, Pittsburgh looks to bounce back against the winless Bengals. The Steelers are missing key players on offense, but are still the considerably better team. Pittsburgh wins in a low scoring one.”- Chris Halling

“Though susceptible to diminish offensively due to key injuries, this week should serve as a way to execute in spite of that. As the Bengals hold the worst record (0-10) in the league, a defensive-led performance should cruise Pittsburgh to their 6th victory on the season.”- Jordan Newman

“The Bengals are the worst team in the NFL, and the defense can win a game like this for the Steelers even if the offense struggles. They face a rookie QB, and Pittsburgh likes to feast on them. The Steel Curtain can get back on the right track before welcoming Cleveland to town next week.”- Brandon Kring

“After an embarrassing and controversial loss to Cleveland, the Steelers bounce back in a big way versus the Bengals. Overcoming some injuries, the Steelers offense picks on a weak Bengals defense, currently giving up nearly 28 points per game to go along with over 425 yards per game. You pair that with an offensive line which has given up 36 sacks over ten games (fourth-worst), and all signs point towards T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree having a field day in that Cincinnati backfield.”- Mike Vannucci

“Well, it’s Cincinnati, so if they lose this one, then throw in the towel. I expect a bounce-back game by Rudolph and a turnover or two to set the offense up for success.”- Ryan Pawloski

“Pittsburgh comes up short in another close game. Even with ten days between the Browns game, the Steel Curtain can not seem to get that last 7 points to pull out the victory.”- Eric Hassel

Nearly all of our writers at Still Curtain are picking the Steelers to hold down the fort this week. Let’s hope we are not in for another heart-breaking game.