4 bold predictions for the Steelers vs. the Bengals week 12

Steelers Claypool bullies an old friend

Chase Claypool hasn’t been elite since moving into the slot, but he faces a really great opportunity this week in the form of an old Steelers slot corner he will face in the slot. By all accounts, Mike Hilton has been his usual self with the Bengals this season. He is a physical run-stopper that is average in the coverage department. He faces a tall task in covering Claypool though.

The real issue is, besides Hiltons struggles in coverage, is the size difference. Claypool is a physical freak at 6’4 vs. Hilton being only 5’9, and Claypool has almost fifty pounds on the slot corner. Sure, Hilton has never let a size difference take away his physical nature, but the difference here is a huge advantage for the Steelers.

While Hilton still makes plays in the run game, his coverage issues are exposed this week. Claypool has one of his best games of the season, scoring twice and logging over 100 receiving yards. Hilton is a great player, and one that I truly admire, but he is facing a tough matchup this week. Expect the Steelers and Claypool to exploit that in week 12.