3 bold predictions for the Steelers vs. Bengals Week 1 matchup

The Bengals’ defense will hold the Steelers to 17 points or less

After what was surely a Hall of Fame career, Ben Roethlisberger hung it up and the Steelers began their search for a replacement. After drafting Kenny Pickett out of Pittsburgh in the first round they decided to start former No. 2 overall pick Mitchell Trubisky on Sunday.

In the modern NFL, if you don’t have a great quarterback you are likely not going to win many games.

The Steelers have some talent at wide receiver but with a bad offensive line and question marks at quarterback, it is hard to see how they score many points. They will likely lean on Najee Harris and the running game but if they become predictable and one-note, a defense as good as the Bengals will easily handle them.

Trey Hendrickson had a good first season with the Bengals last year finishing with 14 sacks after having 13.5 the season before with the Saints. The Steelers must contain and double team Hendrickson on Sunday because if he is in the backfield often they won’t score many points.

The Steelers’ offense doesn’t have enough firepower to keep up with the Bengals and if they fall behind early they will likely struggle to score much at all.