Pittsburgh comes into this game with more pressure on them to perform. They just got embarrassed last week against the Cleveland Browns in a game they should have been able to handle. Instead, they lost another contest against an inferior opponent. Now, the Steelers must find a way to rebound against the Bengals, or else the fanbase will start to come crumbling down with anxiety.
Cincinnati might hold a bad record, but they still have plenty of talent on offense. It could expose the Steeler's defense to certain degrees throughout the game. If Pittsburgh's offense is unable to keep up with the Bengal's scoring output, then this one could get ugly. The black and gold will need certain players to step up in their matchups if they want to win this game and improve their record to 9-3.
Najee Harris, RB
The best way to keep a quality opposing offense off the field is long offensive drives led by your rushing attack. You can count Jaylen Warren in here too, but Najee Harris has slipped in his game some since he had a stretch of 100-yard performances. Harris needs to find that part in his game again, and he should be able to do that against a Bengals run defense that is ranked 21 in the NFL.
Minkah Fitzpatrick, S
It seems like Minkah Fitzpatrick has had some of his best games against the Bengals since being traded to the Steelers. No matter if it is intercepting the ball or blocking extra points to send a game to overtime, Fitzpatrick has been great against Cincinnati. He has been very quiet over the last season and a half. It will be up to him to silence any doubters against the Bengals this week.
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Russell Wilson, QB
He might not have been terrible the past two games, but Russell Wilson has shown signs of problematic play at times. No matter if it was protecting the ball or taking poor sacks that are unnecessary. He remains one of the best quarterbacks the Steelers have had since Ben Roethlisberger. Pittsburgh is playing a poor Bengals defense, so Wilson should compile a good game.
T.J. Watt, EDGE
There might be something wrong with T.J. Watt because he went radio silent after Myles Garrett called him out before their game in Week 12. Maybe teams are scheming him out of games, but he normally finds ways to still make an impact. The Steelers need him to produce if they want a shot at winning. No matter if that's adding pressure or finding alternative ways to change the outcome.
Dan Moore Jr., OT
It might have been the worst game for Dan Moore Jr. this season against the Browns. He allowed Garrett to compile three sacks in the first half. He won't have it easier in Week 13 either as he will face off against Trey Hendrickson. He is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. The Steelers will need to help Moore with some sort of support, but they will also need their left tackle to rebound.