HUGE game again this week. What do you think?

[TJJackson]

Hey....its a home game for the Steelers, and they are also 6-2 and all with tons of big game experience

This is one game where I think the underdog mantle fits....the Bengals have been bad for so long, and the Steelers so good for so long, it will take a while to change perceptions

Beating them this weekend - or failing that, at least keeping it close - would be a darned good start

its not disrespect to be underdogs to the reigning champs, in any case

[HoosierCat]

Underdogs...on the road...I like Cincy's chances.

Yeah, but look who they're underdogs to. The defending champions. If the Bengals were going on the road to play any other team it might be a different story.

Could be, but I think their underdog status is as much a case of the bookies trying to milk one more week out of them before wider perceptions change. Vegas cleaned up on the Baltimore-Cincy game Sunday, and I think they're hoping Pitt's win last night will ignite "the champs are back" talk and a surge of support for them. So far, it appears not -- the Steelers opened as 6.5 point favorites and the very-very-very early betting is going heavily on the Bengals. So look for the line to narrow by the weekend.

In fact, in the last two weeks I've started hearing a few media whispers about the Bengals going to the Super Bowl.

Sweep the Steelers and those whispers are going to become shouts.

Absolutely.

[agreen_112]

To me, this game is going to be twice as hard as the Ravens game. I know we already beat 'em, but Pitt didn't play a very good game in that first matchup. I hate to say it but Pitt kinda beat themselves.

Pittsburgh is the team to beat right now in the NFL. They will be prepared. They will not take this game lightly playing at home against a division rivalry.

Well the Bengals didn't play a very good game in the first meeting against the Steelers either. We played pretty lousy for about 3 quarters and then lit them up in the 4th. No I don't think the Steelers are the team to beat right now. As much as the media makes you believe this it is a false statement. Right now the teams to beat are Indy and the Saints. Steelers are good but they are not the team to beat in the NFL. They are the team to beat this week for the Bengals though. We still get little respect.

I love our chances...

I don't watch any pre-game or any ESPN. I watch the games.

Indy and N.O. are both really good teams.

Don't be naive.. Come December, the Pittsburgh Steelers are the team to beat. They are just so damn consistent.

I hope we come out Sunday and light them up on both sides of the ball. Both our teams are a lot alike, we each have several deadly weapons on offense. Both Defenses get turnovers and are playing extremely well against the run.

This will be a HUGE test for the Bengals. It will seperate us and put us at the Top 3 in rankings.

[HoosierCat]

Looks like the Cincinnati-Pittsburgh game will be the top 1 pm game for CBS.

/>http://the506.com/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1257739773

Figure Nantz & Simms as the crew.

[Ickey44]

It's simple. My buzzkill brings good fortune. Steelers 34, Bengals 10.

I like where your head is at. Everyone keep doing what you've been doing during the Bengals upswing.

Billy... You start the gameday thread.

I'll bet on the Bengals regardless of spread (I did so for the first time ever against Chicago, and again against the Ravens).

Anyone else want to let us know what they've been doing to help the team win?

I've worn this ratty old Bengals shirt and watched on the couch each time they've won. Against the Texans I went to a bar and wore a jersey......haven't done that since.

[volcom69]

Well i personally think this game is will be so much tougher then the Ravens game. I think at this time Pitt is a better team then the Ravens, and they will need to play better on offense throughout the whole game and score more then 17 points. They need to jump out to an early lead, and keep the offense rolling. Benson needs to see alot of touches, and Palmer needs to try to throw down field. It sucks Henry got hurt i thought he could of had a big game this week.

The defense needs to do what it did to the Ravens to win this game. If they are truly #2 in run defense then they need to show that this week. Almost every year Pitt runs over a 100 on the defense, so lets hope this year is different. The last match up the Steelers were throwing the ball all over the corners, so i hope Zimmer sees this and makes the right adjustments. Blitz Ben put pressure on him but keep him in the pocket, and take him down.

Like i said this will be the toughest game of the regular season, Bengals have not been in this postion very much and so far they have done great and come out on top. So lets hope this week everyones head is on straight and kick some Steelers a**.

[TJJackson]

Tougher than the Vikings game?

[membengal]

Temps in the 60s and dry is the forecast for the weekend in Pittsburgh, so a mucked up field won't be an issue at Heinz.

[semiotter]

This is the game of the year so far. and it would really be nice to see all those towels filled with tears come Sunday I got a lot of Steeler fans that are my friends 50 weeks out of the year. This weekend they can all kiss my Bengal Loving ass. Cuz their going down hard. WhoDey!!!!

[volcom69]

Tougher than the Vikings game?

The Bengals always seem to find a way to win against the NFC North division.

[derekshank]

Temps in the 60s and dry is the forecast for the weekend in Pittsburgh, so a mucked up field won't be an issue at Heinz.

Too bad. For the first time I can remember, I actually think the Bengals are better suited to win a physical game over the Steelers on a mucked up field.

[membengal]

Maybe. Although Roeth seems to thrive on mucked up fields, for whatever reason. I want his footing fine and his cockiness up. I think the Bengals' corners are picking at least two, one of which is going to the house.

[ChadJohnson-85]

It's simple. My buzzkill brings good fortune. Steelers 34, Bengals 10.

I like where your head is at. Everyone keep doing what you've been doing during the Bengals upswing.

Billy... You start the gameday thread.

I'll bet on the Bengals regardless of spread (I did so for the first time ever against Chicago, and again against the Ravens).

Anyone else want to let us know what they've been doing to help the team win?

Well when I'm watching the game with my dad I always tell him were going to lose... Hahaha. I never have a reason but when I say we'll win we lose... I was so confident we would beat the Broncos and Texans. And look what happened. I might tell you guys here on the Zone that I think Bengals will win but when the game is about to start I start saying we'll lose. Don't get me wrong I want us to win. I'm rooting for them throughout the whole game. When I say we'll lose we win. I don't really believe in stuff like this but Its worked so far!

[kingwilly]

I think this will be a Bengals rout.

Recall Monday night, the Broncos came out and showed several different looks, including a jumbo line, and moved the ball with ease. Recall the Broncos D smothering the Pitt WR's, getting pressure on Benji, and forcing punts on all offensive possessions in the first half.

The Broncos knew what to do to win, they simply don't have the talent to execute the plan. They have Orton where we have Palmer. They have Moreno where we have Benson. They have Royal and Stokely, where we have Coles and Caldwell. Though the Broncos D is OK, the Bengals D is better against the run and have better starting CB's.

I think this game is much like the Ravens game last week. A lot of hype but the Bengals will prevail on the strength of the running game and stopping the run, paired with Hall/Joseph shutting down Ward/Wallace. The only wildcards are Ocho and Polamalu, as they are far better than the corresponding player opposite them.

All other things being equal, our best players are better than their best players. Cedric>Rashard.... Palmer>Benji..... Hall/Jospeh>Ward/Wallace.

I call a 33-23 win, and the gme not being as close as the score indicates. 23-3 by half.

[HoosierCat]

I think this will be a Bengals rout.

Recall Monday night, the Broncos came out and showed several different looks, including a jumbo line, and moved the ball with ease. Recall the Broncos D smothering the Pitt WR's, getting pressure on Benji, and forcing punts on all offensive possessions in the first half.

The Broncos knew what to do to win, they simply don't have the talent to execute the plan. They have Orton where we have Palmer. They have Moreno where we have Benson. They have Royal and Stokely, where we have Coles and Caldwell. Though the Broncos D is OK, the Bengals D is better against the run and have better starting CB's.

I think this game is much like the Ravens game last week. A lot of hype but the Bengals will prevail on the strength of the running game and stopping the run, paired with Hall/Joseph shutting down Ward/Wallace. The only wildcards are Ocho and Polamalu, as they are far better than the corresponding player opposite them.

All other things being equal, our best players are better than their best players. Cedric>Rashard.... Palmer>Benji..... Hall/Jospeh>Ward/Wallace.

I call a 33-23 win, and the gme not being as close as the score indicates. 23-3 by half.

Scary thing is...I agree.

I so like Cincinnati in this game.

Hell, I so like Cincinnati this season.

Believe. It's real.

[DC_Bengals_Fan]

Looks like the Cincinnati-Pittsburgh game will be the top 1 pm game for CBS.

/>http://the506.com/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1257739773

Figure Nantz & Simms as the crew.

Ah hell. Stupid Deadskins are on CBS because they're playing Denver. Like anybody here wants to see those losers anyway.

Looks like Redzone channel for me! Gah.

[BengalszoneBilly]

Sweet! I get to see the Bengals game for free!

[HoTbOy]

I just hope they sweep them that would be HUGE for me...

[Ickey44]

Looks like the Cincinnati-Pittsburgh game will be the top 1 pm game for CBS.

/>http://the506.com/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1257739773

Figure Nantz & Simms as the crew.

Ah hell. Stupid Deadskins are on CBS because they're playing Denver. Like anybody here wants to see those losers anyway.

Looks like Redzone channel for me! Gah.

I'm sure there will be a bar around there somewhere showing the game. If not, there's always justin.tv.

[truthteller]

Negatives against the Bengals, not necessarily in order of importance:

Henry is out. He always gave the Steelers a problem

Palamaulo(SP) is healthy, he did not play the last encounter

The game is in Pittsburgh, crowd noise will be significant

Chad has always had trouble with Ike Taylor

Pittsburgh does have the #1 run defense. Benson will not run amuck

Pittsburghs back is against the wall, if they loose, wildcard is their only hope

Over the last few years they have played in a ton of "important games"

Pittsburgh is getting back 3 defensive starters from injury this week

Don't want to be too negative here, but when I hear people predicting a "blowout win" it makes you wonder. As far as vegas odds go, it opened at Bengals +8 went to +6/12 then after MNF it is at +7. But all that means is how the money is being wagered. Keep BR in the pocket and Carson clean is the winning formula

[cincyhokie]

It's simple. My buzzkill brings good fortune. Steelers 34, Bengals 10.

I like where your head is at. Everyone keep doing what you've been doing during the Bengals upswing.

Billy... You start the gameday thread.

I'll bet on the Bengals regardless of spread (I did so for the first time ever against Chicago, and again against the Ravens).

Anyone else want to let us know what they've been doing to help the team win?

I've worn this ratty old Bengals shirt and watched on the couch each time they've won. Against the Texans I went to a bar and wore a jersey......haven't done that since.

You too?!!! I've touched my jersey twice this year. Broncos game. Texans game. The other games I've been wearing my Bengals t-shirt and hat. The jersey may not go on for the rest of the year.

[cincyhokie]

Temps in the 60s and dry is the forecast for the weekend in Pittsburgh, so a mucked up field won't be an issue at Heinz.

It will be if Pitt and ND tear it up on Saturday night.

[kingwilly]

Negatives against the Bengals, not necessarily in order of importance:

Henry is out. He always gave the Steelers a problem

Palamaulo(SP) is healthy, he did not play the last encounter

The game is in Pittsburgh, crowd noise will be significant

Chad has always had trouble with Ike Taylor

Pittsburgh does have the #1 run defense. Benson will not run amuck

Pittsburghs back is against the wall, if they loose, wildcard is their only hope

Over the last few years they have played in a ton of "important games"

Pittsburgh is getting back 3 defensive starters from injury this week

Don't want to be too negative here, but when I hear people predicting a "blowout win" it makes you wonder. As far as vegas odds go, it opened at Bengals +8 went to +6/12 then after MNF it is at +7. But all that means is how the money is being wagered. Keep BR in the pocket and Carson clean is the winning formula

point by point

Coles is coming into form, in synch with this offense

Roy Williams is coming back, ultimate confidence in Hall and Joseph.

Bengals seem to do pretty well on the road

Chad will get plenty of brackets, which should open it up for Caldwell, Coles, Foschi and watch for Quan.

Ravens had the #4 run defense, bears was "supposed" to be good, as was green Bay's

Pitt played on the road Monday night

The ravens played many important games

Bengals D-line is showing the loss of Odom has been minimized.

Pitt simply will not be able to stop benson and this line. no way. once they creep troy up, they will get shredded by Palmer.

We'll see new wrinkles and formations. Maybe even some wildcat again.

romp and stomp blowout.

[cincyhokie]

Negatives against the Bengals, not necessarily in order of importance:

Henry is out. He always gave the Steelers a problem

Palamaulo(SP) is healthy, he did not play the last encounter

The game is in Pittsburgh, crowd noise will be significant

Chad has always had trouble with Ike Taylor

Pittsburgh does have the #1 run defense. Benson will not run amuck

Pittsburghs back is against the wall, if they loose, wildcard is their only hope

Over the last few years they have played in a ton of "important games"

Pittsburgh is getting back 3 defensive starters from injury this week

Don't want to be too negative here, but when I hear people predicting a "blowout win" it makes you wonder. As far as vegas odds go, it opened at Bengals +8 went to +6/12 then after MNF it is at +7. But all that means is how the money is being wagered. Keep BR in the pocket and Carson clean is the winning formula

point by point

Coles is coming into form, in synch with this offense

Roy Williams is coming back, ultimate confidence in Hall and Joseph.

Bengals seem to do pretty well on the road

Chad will get plenty of brackets, which should open it up for Caldwell, Coles, Foschi and watch for Quan.

Ravens had the #4 run defense, bears was "supposed" to be good, as was green Bay's

Pitt played on the road Monday night

The ravens played many important games

Bengals D-line is showing the loss of Odom has been minimized.

Pitt simply will not be able to stop benson and this line. no way. once they creep troy up, they will get shredded by Palmer.

We'll see new wrinkles and formations. Maybe even some wildcat again.

romp and stomp blowout.

I think the Bengals have a good chance to win this game but honestly I'd be shocked if they beat the Steelers in a blow out. Don't see it happening.

[NJ29]

Negatives against the Bengals, not necessarily in order of importance:

Henry is out. He always gave the Steelers a problem

Palamaulo(SP) is healthy, he did not play the last encounter

The game is in Pittsburgh, crowd noise will be significant

Chad has always had trouble with Ike Taylor

Pittsburgh does have the #1 run defense. Benson will not run amuck

Pittsburghs back is against the wall, if they loose, wildcard is their only hope

Over the last few years they have played in a ton of "important games"

Pittsburgh is getting back 3 defensive starters from injury this week

Don't want to be too negative here, but when I hear people predicting a "blowout win" it makes you wonder. As far as vegas odds go, it opened at Bengals +8 went to +6/12 then after MNF it is at +7. But all that means is how the money is being wagered. Keep BR in the pocket and Carson clean is the winning formula

point by point

Coles is coming into form, in synch with this offense

Roy Williams is coming back, ultimate confidence in Hall and Joseph.

Bengals seem to do pretty well on the road

Chad will get plenty of brackets, which should open it up for Caldwell, Coles, Foschi and watch for Quan.

Ravens had the #4 run defense, bears was "supposed" to be good, as was green Bay's

Pitt played on the road Monday night

The ravens played many important games

Bengals D-line is showing the loss of Odom has been minimized.

Pitt simply will not be able to stop benson and this line. no way. once they creep troy up, they will get shredded by Palmer.

We'll see new wrinkles and formations. Maybe even some wildcat again.

romp and stomp blowout.

I'd really like to see them use B Scott some out of the wildcat.