The last time the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals squared off, it was an exciting game on Thursday Night Football. But it wasn’t the ending that Pittsburgh hoped for.

Despite the offensive explosion, the Steelers’ defense let them down, and it was a disappointing end to a rather eventful night. But now the Steelers have a larger sample size of Joe Flacco in Cincy, and they have developed a plan on defense that should combat the dominant forces on Cincy’s perimeter.

For the Bengals, they are just trying to hold on after some unexpected but great news came out this week regarding Joe Burrow. He is ahead of schedule and could return by Thanksgiving. But as John Sheeran of A to Z Sports Cincinnati says in our preview, it may not matter if the Steelers win on Sunday.

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If Flacco is still playing at a high level, why rush back Burrow?

“Flacco’s been exactly what the Bengals needed with Burrow out. He’s the old point guard who may not be able to create on his own, but he knows when and where the ball needs to go. Of course, he’s just Joe Flacco, and not the game-changer Burrow is.

If Burrow can play, he’s the more well-rounded and consistent quarterback. There are things he could certainly learn from Flacco, but I think it’s as simple as the better overall player will play when he’s healthy.” – Sheeran

Is it scheme, players, or both that are letting down the Bengals’ defense?

“It’s tough to pin things on scheme when pass rushers aren’t winning, tackles are being missed at a higher rate than anywhere else in the league, and safeties are still clueless looking at everything in front of them.

This season has firmly exposed just how awful Cincinnati’s been at reloading its defense with young talent following the inevitable exodus of competent veteran leaders from the playoff years of 2021-22. It’s a personnel problem through and through, though defensive coordinator Al Golden certainly won’t be getting a lot of head-coaching buzz anyways.” – Sheeran

Is this a must-win game for the Bengals and Zac Taylor?

“The Bengals’ only hope at making the playoffs is by winning the division, so any loss to an AFC North rival is a nail in their coffin. Pittsburgh is also struggling more than the other clubs Cincy will face in the next few weeks, so losing this game will only make tougher matchups even more paramount.

As for Taylor, I think he’s still safe for now, and everyone knows how patient his bosses are. Bottoming out may be the only thing that really gets that conversation accelerated.” – Sheeran

Final Score Prediction

It doesn’t matter how much trouble an offense is going through. If the Bengals are next on their schedule, a bounce-back game is always on the menu. I expect Rodgers to play better than he has in recent weeks, and while Flacco will also perform well, the Steelers will secure this win in another close game. Steelers 34, Bengals 30. – Sheeran