Week 9 matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals

Opposite directions. In the eyes of the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2), order has been restored. They're tied for first with Baltimore in the AFC North. For the inconsistent Bengals (2-5), their shocking nosedive into the cellar comes as an unexpected surprise, considering the team is virtually intact after a 2009 division title that included a 6-0 division sweep.
Bright lights. The Bengals are struggling to run and pass, and they can't hide their four-game losing streak. The blazing lights of Monday Night Football hit town to scrutinize the underachieving squad that has started 2-5 or worse in four of coach Marvin Lewis' eight seasons. The Bengals went 0-for-October for the eighth time in 20 years. The Steelers lead the series, 48-32, including a 5-2 advantage on MNF.
Quarterback showcase. First-round draft picks chosen a year apart, Cincinnati's Carson Palmer (2003) and Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger (2004) crossed the threshold of 20,000 career passing yards this season. But the two are light years apart in their accomplishments. Big Ben has two Super Bowl rings, while Palmer has two playoff losses for a franchise that hasn’t won a postseason game since the 1990 season.
Three key Bengals
RT Andre Smith. The club's 2009 top draft pick makes his third straight start and fifth overall in two seasons, but it's the first time he's started against the Steelers. He needs to use his strength and foot speed to combat the Steelers duo LOLB LaMarr Woodley and LILB James Farrior, who author the kinds of twists and stunts Smith has never experienced at this level.
WLB Keith Rivers. Rivers suffered a broken jaw midway through his rookie 2008 season on a vicious block delivered by Steelers WR Hines Ward. Rivers hasn't forgotten. The best way for him to retaliate is threefold: Contain running back Rashard Mendenhall, cover tight end Heath Miller and pressure quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Rivers has outstanding speed and range, and this is his opportunity to be a difference-maker.
TE Jermaine Gresham. The rookie first-round pick was drafted to stretch the field, but his 6.9 yards-per-catch average (29 receptions, 201 yards) is a clear sign that he's not being used properly. Gresham has two TD catches, so he’s a proven commodity in the red zone, especially with his size, speed, hands and physicality. The club relies on Gresham's blocking in the run game, but the team needs to give him more freedom to make plays over the middle, where he's a mismatch nightmare for linebackers and safeties.
Three key Steelers
NT Casey Hampton. Hampton is one of the most physical defensive tackles in the league. A one-man wrecking crew, he brings the kind of brute force necessary to neutralize the Bengals' running game, allowing the Steelers' fleet, physical linebackers to attack downhill. Hampton's penetration will force QB Carson Palmer to get rid of the ball quickly, and that will enable the secondary to jump routes and make plays on the ball.
C Maurkice Pouncey. Using their first-round pick on Pouncey was a great move by the Steelers. Not only is he playing well but he's taken on a leadership role, and that's rare for a rookie. He's a tremendous blocker with outstanding strength, power and foot speed. His ability to penetrate the defensive line and reach the second level of linebackers will enable the Steelers to establish the run game with Mendenhall and give QB Ben Roethlisberger plenty of options in third-and-short-yardage situations.
WR Mike Wallace. Wallace, who piled up 102 receiving yards at Cincinnati last season, has emerged as the Steelers' big-play wide receiver. With 397 yards on 17 receptions, good for a 23.4-yard average, he'll have plenty of opportunities to go deep against the Bengals' banged-up secondary and add to his TD total (4). Even if the Bengals get the dangerous Wallace covered, his presence should open up wide receiver Hines Ward and tight end Heath Miller to do major damage.
Bottom Line If there was ever a must-win game for the Bengals, this is it. A victory pulls them within two games of Pittsburgh at the season's midpoint, while a loss takes them out of contention and wondering what might have been had they not folded against Tampa Bay and Miami. The Steelers own a 5-0 record on MNF under head coach Mike Tomlin, while the Bengals have won four of their past five MNF home games. The Bengals have yet to put together a complete game on offense, defense and special teams this season, and it will be nearly impossible to be competent in all three phases against a team as balanced, complete and consistent as the Steelers. The Bengals have the offensive weapons to compete, but Pittsburgh has the more potent defense. And don't forget: Roethlisberger is 11-2 (.846) in his home state of Ohio, including a 6-1 mark at Cincinnati. Pittsburgh got swept by Cincinnati in 2009. But that's ancient history. Prediction: Steelers 31, Bengals 17.