NFL schedule 2018: Each team’s biggest game

Cincinnati Bengals: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Every game between the Bengals and Steelers comes with some vitriol from players on both sides, as well as rule-straddling physicality and big hits most of the time. Right in line with their fall from the playoffs over the last two seasons, the Bengals have lost the last four regular season games to the Steelers. Cincinnati has six-game losing streak in the series overall, dating back to the 2015 season and counting the tense playoff game in the Wild Card Round after that season.

The Bengals have maintained the status quo at head coach, with Marvin Lewis surviving for at least one more year. A third consecutive season without the playoffs may finally bring his firing, but at least one mark in the win column against Pittsburgh would go a long way toward changing both potential outcomes.

Among their divisional opponents and on the 16-game slate overall, the Steelers have to be highlighted and circled twice each year by the Bengals. For 2018, those two games look especially critical for coaches and players. The home game against Pittsburgh will be the most important game on Cincinnati’s schedule, to set or reflect the tone for the season.