- 19
- Nov
The Thursday night game doesn’t have nearly the impact that last week’s Jets/Patriots contest had — both in the NFL and in fantasy. This week, we’re looking at what shoul dbe a pretty one-sided contest. Here’s what to expect…
Cincinnati Benglas @ Pittsburgh Steelers
First of all, once again, we’re looking at possible snow flurries and a super cold night. Obviously that’s going to tilt the game towards the Steelers again who have A. a better RB tandem in Willie Parker and Mewelde Moore vs the Bengals’ Cedric Benson and B. a much better defense — less than 70 YPG allowed on the ground this season. Parker (still recovering from his shoulder problems) has also asked for the Steelers to run the ball a lot more, so expect a hard-nosed smashmouth style game. I’m sure, with the weather and the fact that Cincy has the 23rd ranked run D (allows 130 YPG) this won’t be a problem for the Pittsburgh coaches. It’d be nice to keep Ben Roethlisberger under wraps as much as possible. Yes, his shoulder seems healthy, but better safe than sorry. He won’t be contained totally, but I don’t see him looking downfield too often. More like some short passes to Hines Ward and a few check downs to Moore and whomever the TE will be. Heath Miller is a game-time decision. For Cincy, it’s not going to be like it was last week against the Eagles. Benson will get a lot of carries, but Ryan Fitzpatrick will likely be forced into the air. T.J. Houshmandzadeh had a breakout game finally, and he’ll be the one Fitzpatrick looks for. I don’t see Chad Ocho Cinco having too strong of a day. Pfft. None of the Bengals should. The Good: Willie Parker, Hines Ward The OK: Ben Roethlisberger, Mewelde Moore, Heath Miller (if he plays), Cedric Benson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh The Ugly: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Chad Ocho Cinco, Santonio Holmes, Nate Washington