Writers’ Picks: Steelers Week 15 matchup vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The Still Curtain team predicts if the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-2) will complete their sweep of the Cincinnati Bengals (2-10-1).

A tale of tales the past two weeks for the Pittsburgh Steelers, things have turned gray.  Nobody knows precisely who or what this team is, but is set in the fact that 11-2 could be a charade.

Dropping two consecutive games (to a 2020 NFC East team, then to an AFC opponent likely in for a deep playoff run), the optics would be horrible for any organization sitting at the top. However, no sort of rebuttal could justify the minds of many that hold doubt against the Steelers, and even a win this week won’t help it, but it will for Pittsburgh significantly.

Climbing into the grave they have been digging the past month, the Black and Gold have a great chance to pull themselves from it quickly. The Cincinnati Bengals are also on a losing streak of their own (five games, in fact), and one that the Steelers started in week 10 – losing four of them by at least double-digits.

The Steelers hold the favor of oddsmakers this week, but do they at the Still Curtain?

Writers’ Recap

Was it desperation or belief? Was it frustration or belief? For whatever motive influenced the decision as to why the Steelers would win or lose last week against the Buffalo Bills in response to their result against the Washington Football Team two weeks ago, consequently has shifted our records all over the place.

Still, in great shape as a group, our responses line up with the hope that Pittsburgh can recover back onto its feet.

Still Curtain’s 2020 Records

Andrew Falce (11-2)

Eric Hassel (11-2)

Ed Hunt (10-3)

Tommy Jaggi (11-2)

Brandon Kring (10-3)

Austin Lloyd (3-1)

Jordan Newman (12-1)

Ryan Pawloski (10-3)

Casey Sadekoski (10-3)

Alec Silverman (3-1)

Week fifteen predictions vs. Bengals

”Steelers commit to the running the ball. The offense opens up a little. It isn’t a great performance, but it’s one that is different from the past three weeks.” – Andrew Falce (PIT 21-13)

”Pittsburgh is not happy about losing two in a row and the Bengals will feel the wrath as a result. In a surprisingly close game at the end, the Steelers finally get the running game going and win in prime time.” – Eric Hassel (PIT 27-20)

”The Steelers are hitting some struggles but will get an easy target on Monday Night Football. Pittsburgh will come out and beat the Bengals, getting fans excited again.” – Ed Hunt (PIT 27-14)

”The Steelers have a lot to prove in Week 15. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to tell much against one of the worst teams in the league. Without a competent quarterback at the helm, I expect Pittsburgh to take care of business easily and get a little offensive momentum going in this contest.” – Tommy Jaggi (PIT 27-13)

”The Bengals offense is not great and the Steelers defense is. The offense should use this week to try and figure out their issues as well and get back above 20 points for the first time in 3 straight games.” – Brandon Kring (PIT 34-10)

“The Bengals with Joe Burrow are no match for the Steelers. The Bengals without Joe Burrow are not even good television in Cincinnati. Pittsburgh is coming off of two straight losses heading into this “battle,” but that won’t change the outcome one bit.” – Austin Lloyd (PIT 34-10)

”At this point, it’s a battle for Pittsburgh against themselves on how they want to finish the season. Their second game against the Bengals will mirror closely to what happened in week ten. With important names returning to the defense, the Steelers do what they have to.” – Jordan Newman (PIT 27-6)

“It looks like the Bengals will be heading into this one with more starters missing. It should be an easy game for the Steelers as a unit and a game the fans should be able to sit back and enjoy.” – Ryan Pawloski (PIT 28-9)

”Pittsburgh’s secondary will be intact against a QB not named joe burrow. The offense would look better if Kevin Dotson was healthy enough to start at left guard. Steelers win by less than they should.” – Casey Sadekoski (PIT 17-10)

“Steelers are looking to dig out of a two-game losing hole. Luckily, they get to face the Burrow-less Bengals in Cincinnati. Hopefully, this will be a confidence builder as Pittsburgh closes out the rest of their season. I believe they will take care of business in style.” – Alec Silverman (PIT 27-13)

NFL experts and our team at Still Curtain all agree that Pittsburgh should come away with their 12th win of the season in Week 15 on Monday Night Football. Let’s hope we are correct, as a win against the Bengals would lock up the division for the Steelers in 2020.