Steelers vs Bengals: Writers’ predictions for Week 3 AFC North matchup

Attempting to rebound after Week 2, our writers give their predictions on the Pittsburgh Steelers upcoming matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

We can only look up because if the Pittsburgh Steelers were to look any further down, let’s wave a white flag on the season. With a record of 1-1, last week’s loss to the Las Vegas Raiders felt like a memory of the past and a foreshadowing of the future.

The worst of week two for the Black and Gold were the injuries. Adding Ben Roethlisberger, TJ Watt, Diontae Johnson, and Tyson Alualu to a list that already included Devin Bush and Joe Haden, the Steelers hope to leave Sunday healthy enough; however, things seem optimistic.

Now opening their yearly AFC North trials in week three against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers look to rebound amid a battered roster as our contributing writers grant their predictions on what will happen this weekend.

Writers’ Recap of Steelers vs. Raiders

Last week’s predictions for our team at the Still Curtain did not pan out for the majority of the participants. After only three writers picked Pittsburgh to win in week one, a collective false hope made us all believe that Pittsburgh would come away victorious against the Las Vegas Raiders.

So, if this needs to be made any clearer – no one was correct on the winner of last week’s game and no one accurately guessed the score. An article turned folk tale for the website, we look forward, humbly, and present week three’s predictions versus the Bengals.

Still Curtain 2021 Records

Kody Duncan (0-1)

Andrew Falce (0-2)

Eric Hassel (0-2)

Tommy Jaggi (0-2)

Brandon Kring (0-2)

Shayne Kubas (0-2)

Scott Long (1-1)

Luke Metrinko (0-2)

Jordan Newman (0-2)

Loyal Ricks Jr (1-1)

Casey Sadekoski (1-1)

Week 3 predictions for Steelers vs. Bengals

Kody Duncan: Too many injuries and not enough offense is a recipe for a 2nd straight loss. Cue the boo birds at Heinz Field. (CIN 21-17)

Andrew Falce: Injuries and a stale offense hamper the Steelers, but the pass rush does enough to get after Burrow. Steelers win in a game that feels like it could go either way. (PIT 20-17)

Eric Hassel: After a tough loss against the Raiders and despite having to deal with injuries to key players, the Steelers eke out a win against the Cincinnati Bengals to get back on the winning track.  Big Ben comes through in the fourth quarter with a TD pass in the final drive of the game. (PIT 23-17)

Tommy Jaggi: The Steelers look to avoid dropping their second straight home game – this time to arguably the worst team in their division. However, injuries could play a factor this week as Pittsburgh has some prominent players on the injury report. As a result, the line has already shifted quite a bit for this contest. I think Pittsburgh will hold on to win, but it will be closer than fans are comfortable with. (PIT 23-20)

Brandon Kring: This is based solely on the Steelers defense playing very poorly while missing key players and it looks like they may still miss some on Sunday. Ben is also dealing with a pec injury and the Bengals run defense has been surprisingly solid the first two games which could bode poorly for the struggling Steelers offense. (CIN 20-13)

Shayne Kubas: The Steelers run game has been stuck in the mud, and a solid Bengals defensive front will look to continue that trend. Ben will have to make enough plays in the passing game despite his pectoral injury to carry the offense. I expect a defensive slugfest that ultimately ends with a Chris Boswell field goal to end it. (PIT 24-21)

Jordan Newman: The Steelers hosts the Bengals & a list of injuries including its best player & QB, that should make the chance for the Bengals to take advantage – and they will. (CIN 23-13)

Loyal Ricks Jr: Steelers will pull out a victory at home. Najee Harris sees more action this week. (PIT 22-14)

Casey Sadekoski: Injuries level the playing field but the Steelers get some offense going. (PIT 31-24)