The Cincinnati Bengals go into a massive AFC North rivalry match-up against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, likely facing their last chance to stay in the playoff hunt.
That is the assessment of Sky Sports’ Neil Reynolds, who is backing Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow to pull off some magic to fire the side to a much-needed victory.
The Bengals (4-7) are four wins worse off than the Steelers (8-3), who are leading the way in the division, going into Sunday’s game – live on Sky Sports NFL from 6pm – and are also lagging behind the Denver Broncos (7-5) in the AFC’s seventh and final wildcard spot.
“The Steelers have just had a five-game win streak ended against the (Cleveland) Browns,” Reynolds said on the latest Inside The Huddle Podcast.
“I thought (Steelers QB) Russell Wilson still played pretty well against the Browns, but he’s had only one touchdown pass in the last two games.
“And Pittsburgh’s offense are going to have to score some points here, because you would expect Joe Burrow and the Bengals to have their moments, even against a good defense.
“Burrow leads the NFL with 27 touchdown passes, plus Ja’Marr Chase is having a career year… but they’re going up against a Steelers defense that has allowed fewer than 20 points in seven games this season.
“I’m going to take Cincinnati, for the Joe Burrow factor – I think there will be just enough magic from him.
“It’s also the last chance for the Bengals. They’ve lost a lot of close games. I think this is one they can get; the Steelers are a very good team, but not right there at the very top of the NFL.”
Schecter: Steelers are the complete outfit
Sky Sports’ Phoebe Schecter is, however, backing the Steelers to distance themselves further from the Bengals and in all likelihood end their playoff hopes, based on the strength of their defense.
Pittsburgh rank eighth among the NFL’s 32 teams in yards allowed per game (305.2) and are tied third in points allowed per game (16.9)
“You’re talking about a divisional game. We already know these games are phenomenal, especially when you’ve got the likes of (Steelers pass rusher) TJ Watt in there,” Schecter said.
“I think the biggest thing that I like about the Steelers is their ability to tackle in space, open-field tackling. And when you look at what has been so great for the Bengals, it’s Ja’Marr Chase and his ability to run after catch.
“Joe Burrow and the Bengals kind of force you into a position where you think we have to get the score up and have to put points on the board.
“But if the Steelers can kind of shut that down and gang tackle, which is head coach Mike Tomlin’s way, then they’re going to be able to restrict them.
“I’m going to go with Pittsburgh to win this one. I think they’re the more complete outfit.”
Watch the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Cincinnati Bengals from 6pm live on Sky Sports NFL on Sunday, followed by the Philadelphia Eagles against the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills versus the San Francisco 49ers
