Bengals vs. Steelers: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Radio, Game Time and More

A huge AFC North matchup is upon us, but it isn't the Steelers vs Ravens; instead, it is the Cincinnati Bengals taking on the Steelers.

Heinz Field will be abuzz as the Steelers try to deal a crushing blow to the Bengals' division championship hopes, as well as their postseason hopes overall.

At 8-3, the Steelers are tied with the Ravens, but the Ravens hold the tie-breaker over Pittsburgh. Right now, the Bengals would be in the playoffs at 7-4, but a loss could drop them within striking distance of the current playoff wannabes.

Bengals rookie QB Andy Dalton has had a surprisingly smooth transition into the professional game, and he and AJ Green appear to be headed for years of prolific passing and receiving numbers, but this is the Steelers' defense and nothing will be easy.

The Steelers won the Week 10 matchup 24-17 and will be looking to sweep the season series.

Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA.

When: Sunday, December 4, 1:00 p.m. EST

Watch: CBS (check local listings)

Over/Under: Total 42, according to Bodog.com

That total may even be a little high for this, the second matchup of the year. The two teams combined for 41 points in their first meeting. I would think a number around 36 is a better target.

Spread: Pittsburgh -7, according to Bodog.com

The Steelers won the first matchup by seven points. Mike Tomlin indicated that Troy Polamalu would play, even though he didn't practice on Wednesday. This is obviously a big boost for the Steelers' defense.

For Cincinnati, Cedric Benson was a surprise no-show at practice. He didn't appear to have any major issues with his foot in the morning walkthrough. We may know more as Sunday approaches.

The Steelers are solid and believable, even at minus-seven.

Key Injuries

Cincinnati HB Cedric Benson (foot; questionable)

Cincinnati DE Carlos Dunlap (hamstring; out for fourth consecutive game)

Cincinnati DT Domato Peko (foot; probable)

Cincinnati WR Jerome Simpson (knee; questionable)

Pittsburgh S Troy Polamalu (head; questionable)

Pittsburgh C Maurkice Pouncey (illness; questionable)

Fantasy Big Plays

Neither offense had big performers in the first matchup, and I expect an even slower offensive game this time.

Mike Wallace, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Wallace's speed creates that game-breaking opportunity as much as any player in the league. He had six catches for 84 yards in the first game. I can see Ben Roethlisberger connecting with his deep threat partner on a big play in this one. Wallace shouldn't need more than three catches to hit the 100-yard mark.

Jermaine Gresham, TE Cincinnati Bengals

With the prospect that Jerome Simpson may be out for this one, the Steelers will want to all but take away AJ Green. This should create some openings for Gresham to have a nice day, and give a boost to fantasy owners WR/T or flex positions.

Keys to a Cincinnati Bengals Win

The Bengals must eliminate turnovers and slow the Steeler running game. If Rashard Mendenhall gets going, it will set up the play-action pass, and that is where Big Ben and Wallace will make big plays that break the Bengals' backs.

Keys to a Pittsburgh Steelers Win

The Steelers must take their shots downfield. They must continue to give Dalton different looks. They did not get to him much in the first matchup, as they played more zone and picked him off twice. On the other hand, the Steelers must do a better job protecting Roethlisberger. He was sacked five times and hurried 13 times in Week 10. Though they won, they can't afford to duplicate that performance.

Prediction

The Steelers should win another close battle. I expect this one to be even more low scoring, with the first team to establish an effective running game coming out on top.

As I mentioned, it is essential for the Steelers to open up the big-play opportunities, which I believe will be the difference in the game.

Steelers 19

Bengals 10