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5 Bold Predictions For Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

5 Bold Predictions For Steelers vs. Bengals

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals
Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals are familiar foes, but Week 14 is the first time that the two teams will face off this season. There is nothing but bad blood between these division rivals, and the matchups are always physical. This game is particularly important because both teams are fighting for AFC North supremacy. Here are five predictions for the Steelers’ and the Bengals’ first game against each other this season.

5. Le'Veon Bell Will Lead Steelers In Receiving

Le'Veon Bell Pittsburgh Steelers
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

5. Le'Veon Bell Will Lead Steelers In Receiving

Le'Veon Bell Pittsburgh Steelers
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It isn’t often that a running back leads the team in receiving, but that was the case last week for Le’Veon Bell against the New Orleans Saints. Bell is an all-around runner who can run 20-plus times in a game and catch five-plus passes. The Bengals have a very good secondary and the Steelers’ wide receivers will have a difficult time getting open. When this happens, look for Ben Roethlisberger to check down to Bell for seven or eight receptions.

4. Mohamed Sanu Will Throw His Second TD of the Year

Mohamed Sanu Cincinnati Bengals
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

4. Mohamed Sanu Will Throw His Second TD of the Year

Mohamed Sanu Cincinnati Bengals
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Sanu was a high school quarterback and has thrown the ball before — he has two passing touchdowns in his three-year career. One of his passing scores came earlier this year when he lobbed the ball to quarterback Andy Dalton who was running out of the backfield. The Steelers have linebackers who over commit to the blitz and would be susceptible to another one of these trick plays. Expect the Bengals to try at least one Sanu pass.

3. A.J. Green Will Score 2 TDs

A.J. Green Cincinnati Bengals
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

3. A.J. Green Will Score 2 TDs

A.J. Green Cincinnati Bengals
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Green is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, and he always shows up big against division rivals. This was evidenced in his huge Week 1 game against the Baltimore Ravens. Because he has been struggling with injuries this season, Green hasn’t put up his typical numbers. He is overdue for a huge game, and against the Steelers’ woeful secondary, two touchdowns and 100-plus yards could be a possibility.

2. Steelers Will Win the Turnover Battle

William Gay Pittsburgh Steelers
Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

2. Steelers Will Win the Turnover Battle

William Gay Pittsburgh Steelers
Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

There have been very few games this season where the Steelers have won the turnover battle. The offense has been coughing up the ball in recent games, and the defense has been struggling to get turnovers for the past few seasons. That being said, Bengals’ quarterback Andy Dalton is a turnover machine this year. He has four multi-interception games already, so this is the Steelers’ best bet to get turnovers.

1. Steelers Will Upset Bengals In Cincinnati

Pittsburgh Steelers fans
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

1. Steelers Will Upset Bengals In Cincinnati

Pittsburgh Steelers fans
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

As of right now, Cincinnati is a three-point favorite at home, but this game is going to be extremely physical. The outcome is going to be determined by Pittsburgh’s ability to score in the red zone. If the Steelers settle for field goals, then the Bengals will win. Odds are, however, that Dalton’s turnovers will cost the Bengals another win. Look for this to be a tightly fought contest that will set the stage for a pivotal Week 17 rematch.

Andrew Lenz is a blogger for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RealAndyLenz, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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