AFC North Round-Up; Primetime Battle for Survival

Dalton will look to expose a Steelers' secondary that has given up nine TD passes this season.

If you know the National Football League then you know there really isn’t such a thing as a ‘must-win’ game because with only 16 games on the schedule, they really are all ‘must-win.’ With that said, the Pittsburgh Steelers are most certainly facing such a game as they travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals. At 2-3 on the season, the Steelers have yet to win a road game this year (0-3) and face the prospect of falling potentially four games behind AFC North leader Baltimore.

Pittsburgh (-1) at Cincinnati – The Bengals aren’t exactly in prime position either as they sit at 3-3 and are 1-2 in the division with a split against Cleveland and a loss to Baltimore. A loss for them coupled with a Baltimore win in Houston would set them back three games in the North. The biggest issue for the Steelers is injuries. They’ll be without their top-two backs Rashard Mendenhall and Isaac Redman due to injury and will also be missing right tackle Marcus Gilbert who could miss several more weeks.

Jonathan Dwyer, who has been inactive the last two weeks will see time at running back as will Baron Batch and Chris Rainey. Gilbert’s spot is filled by rookie and second round pick Mike Adams who will no doubt require help in pass protection. The Bengals aren’t exactly a staple of health either but are certainly more healthy than Pittsburgh. Most likely out for the Bengals is halfback Brian Leonard and the offensive line has had issues with health as well.

Injuries are part of the game and both teams know this so how do they deal with who is on the field? Look for the Bengals to go at Steelers’ cornerback Ike Taylor immediately with A.J. Green. Taylor has been flagged every game for holding and/or pass interference and has not looked good at any point in the season quite honestly. With little running game to speak of the Steelers will once again rely on Ben Roethlisberger to put up points. The Steelers and Roethlisberger in general have been dominant in Paul Brown Stadium going 10-3, but the injuries, which also include All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey are going to be too much to overcome. I like the Bengals to win this one outright.

Cleveland (+1 1/2) at Indianapolis – The Browns are coming off of their first victory of the season while the Colts are coming off a pretty humiliating loss to the New York Jets. The Browns continue to get good performances from rookies Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson while rookie QB Andrew Luck will be coming off his poorest effort. The one favorable thing for Luck and the Colts is that he has played significantly better at Lucas Oil Stadium than on the road and I think that’ll be a big difference. Don’t forget also that the ownership of the Browns finally changed this week and believe it or not that does impact the team. I like the Colts to win a tight one.

Ngata is among several Ravens' banged up as they play the Texans today.

Baltimore (+7) at Houston – This number is awfully hard to figure. Both teams are 5-1 and are coming off games in which they both gave up big numbers to opposing offenses. Baltimore gave up over 200 plus yards on the ground and through the air while Houston was torched  for 300 plus yards and six touchdown passes by Aaron Rodgers. I really think this number should be a lot closer than it is and the game will reflect it. Look for Joe Flacco to attack the Texans’ secondary the same way the the Packers’ did and that will also include getting Ray Rice touches in the passing game. The Texans will try to attack that pourous Ravens’ running defense with Arian Foster and hope to set up the play-action passing of Matt Schaub. With no Ray Lewis and no Ladarius Webb, the Ravens’ are even weaker. I like the Texans to win, but I do like the Ravens to keep it within seven.