Cincinnati (Week 16)

The Steelers finished up their third day of practice this week and have ruled out Kenny Pickett. He practiced in a limited capacity all week; however, it appears that he may not quite be ready yet. Personally, I do not want them to rush him back if he is not 100%. I also understand that the season hangs in the balance this week. The chances of the Steelers making the playoffs are quite slim at this current juncture; nevertheless, there is still a chance and hope. They have turned to Mason Rudolph for this week. I think Mason can execute the offense well enough to win, as long as he doesn’t turn the ball over. The biggest key in this game will be the Steeler offense running the ball effectively so as to not put Mason in bad situations. In the previous game against the Bengals, the Steelers passed to open up the run. I think this game will have to be the opposite. I do hope they get Jaylen and Najee moving down hill early. I think putting Mason under center could throw off Cincinnati’s front. I have personally never been a fan of running out of the shotgun as it requires the back to start from a dead stop.

The Steelers, with the Steeler crowd need to get Acrisure rocking early and often. The last few home games the Steelers have been playing from behind and that has made it increasingly difficult for the crowd to get pumped without heroics. I think in this game the Steelers getting an early lead, running the ball effectively to allow their defense appropriate time to rest, and protecting the football are going to be key to victories.

Jamar Chase is not playing. The question will be: can the Steelers, heavily depleted in the deep secondary, minimize Higgins and Boyd? I think they can and will do all of the above to get the victory this weekend.

Thursday evening prediction: Steelers 19 Bengals 10.

Go Steelers!