The 5 Top NFL Games for Week 17 of the Regular Season: Packers-Lions, Chiefs-Chargers and more
By Andrew Garda
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
This game has a lot riding on it. The winner here will take the AFC North and lock down a home playoff game along with the No. 3 seed while the other team falls to the fifth seed.
This game also has all of the usual divisional rivalry pressure which comes at any time of year when teams like Pittsburgh and Cincinnati meet.
The Steelers offense has been playing tremendous football during the latter half of the season and Ben Roethlisberger has been lights out under center. Antonio Brown is nearly unstoppable, which makes life easier for Martavis Bryant, Marcus Wheaton and Heath Miller because Brown draws so much attention. Running back Le’Veon Bell has also been incredible this season and is over 1,300 yards with another 774 in receiving.
Defensively, well that’s an issue as the Steelers have struggled. Which leaves things open for the Bengals.
The problem here is Andy Dalton. Which Bengals quarterback shows up? The guy who threw three interceptions against Tampa Bay in Week 13 and 117 total yards and a pick against Cleveland in Week 15? Or the quarterback who threw for 302 yards and two touchdowns the last time these two teams met in Week 14?
The talent around him is undeniable. A.J. Green is arguably the best receiver in the NFL right now, while Jeremy Hill and Giovanni Bernard form an excellent backfield tandem. And Mohamed Sanu is a great complimentary receiver for Green.
It all comes down to Dalton, who has not performed consistently in those moments. Even in a big victory over the Denver Broncos last Monday night, Dalton was average, throwing for just 146 yards. While he threw two touchdowns, he tossed a costly interception as well.
Which Dalton shows up? That’s the question this game hangs on.
Next: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens